Dear Tribal Leaders and Tribal Members,
Last month, we gathered for our Annual Convention and Full Board of Directors meeting under the theme “Guided by Culture, Focused on Tomorrow.” This theme reflected our commitment to honoring our traditions while working toward a stronger future for our people.
We were honored to have Taa’ąįį Ch’igiiontà’ as our keynote speaker, accompanied by his daughters, Na’ni’eezh and Ch’eelil, as well as First Traditional Chief Trimble Gilbert. Their speech, delivered in Dinjii Zhuh K’yàa (the Gwich’in language) and translated into English on stage, was a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our languages and traditions. It was an incredible moment that highlighted the strength of our culture and the responsibility we have to pass it on to future generations. If you missed it, I encourage you to watch the full keynote on our YouTube page.
In addition to powerful speeches, our convention featured several insightful panels on key topics identified as priorities by the Full Board during our convention last November. These panels covered Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP), Housing, Lands, Health, Federal Updates, and even a Youth Panel. Each discussion highlighted critical issues impacting our Tribes and provided valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
During the final days of our convention, we passed 28 resolutions that will guide our work in the coming year. These resolutions are listed on page 8 of this newsletter, and additional details can be found on our website at
www.tananachiefs.org/about/resolutions. These decisions reflect the priorities and voices of our Tribes, and we remain committed to carrying them forward.
I also want to extend my congratulations to several of our leaders who were re-elected to the Executive Board of Directors:
- Sharon Hildebrand – Vice-President
- Chief Lori Baker – Yukon Tanana Representative
- Chief Nancy James – Yukon Flats Representative
Additionally, we congratulate our re-elected Health Board directors:
- Agnes Tony – Upper Kuskokwim Representative
- Sylvia Pitka – Upper Tanana Representative
Their dedication and leadership continue to strengthen our organization and the services we provide to our people.
I encourage you to learn more about the discussions and outcomes of our annual convention throughout this newsletter. As always, we remain committed to working together, guided by our culture, to build a better tomorrow for our communities.
Mahsi’ Choo
Brian Ridley