Dear Tribes and Tribal Members,
Here at Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC), we are preparing for our Special Full Board of Directors meeting taking place later this month. A few years ago, TCC began hosting a fall Special Convention to provide our delegates with ample time to discuss the issues and priorities that matter most to them. During this meeting, Tribal delegates will come together to address important matters affecting our communities, including fishing and hunting, reclaiming our people, and combatting drug trafficking. Additionally, delegates will deliberate on the implementation of a Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) Arming Pilot Program. These are vital discussions to have, and I look forward to seeing you all there and hearing your thoughts.
Last month, TCC partnered with Tlingit and Haida to host the Annual Tribal Unity Gathering in Anchorage. The event was a success, bringing together Tribal leaders and representatives from across the state. It is always inspiring to witness the unity and collaboration that emerges when our communities come together. Following the gathering, we celebrated the signing of two historic agreements with the Department of the Interior.
The first agreement, a Self-Governance Funding Agreement, signifies a step toward increased autonomy and resource control for our Tribes, ensuring that we have the flexibility to manage and direct funding in ways that best serve our communities In 2022, the Full Board of Directors passed Resolution 2022-12, guiding TCC to engage with Federal and State agencies to develop tribal co-management of our traditional territories. I am grateful to our Tribal Leaders and Executive Board for their leadership and vision in setting this direction and paving the way for this important agreement.
The second, the Gravel to Gravel Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), fosters collaboration for ecosystem co-stewardship, highlighting our shared commitment to the stewardship of our lands and waters. Both agreements reflect a unified dedication to co-stewardship, respect for Traditional Knowledge, and the future sustainability of our ways of life. You can learn more about these agreements here.
I am also pleased to share that last month, the Federal Subsistence Board made a final decision to add three tribally nominated seats to the board. This is a positive step toward a more equitable and inclusive decision-making process, ensuring that our voices and perspectives are better represented in managing our resources.
Additionally, last month I testified at the Eastern Interior Regional Advisory Council, where I emphasized the need for focused efforts on bycatch reduction in Area M. Ensuring sustainable fisheries is essential for our communities, and I had several key asks of the Committee to address these issues. You can learn more about my testimony here.
Mahsi’ Choo,
Chief Brian Ridley