Annual Boat Trip Connects Rural Alaska to Decision Makers
Rain was expected throughout the annual partner’s boat trip in August this year, but instead, participants were greeted with sunshine, gracious hospitality, and meaningful connections during their visit to the Upper Tanana Subregion.
The trip brought key Alaska and Federal decision-makers and representatives from various entities to the communities of Eagle, Tetlin, Northway, and Tanacross. The annual partner’s boat trip offers an invaluable opportunity for attendees to see, experience, and better understand the challenges impacting our tribal communities. It also serves as a platform for connecting tribal leaders with those capable of making impactful changes to community wellness.
This year’s attendees included TCC leadership and representatives from the Department of Fish and Game, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Federal Tribal Partner agencies. Law makers and state and federal department heads were also in attendance.
Community halls were filled as attendees participated in open dialogue on pressing issues, such as community safety concerns, transportation challenges, culture camp expansion, food security, access to healthcare, and other topics unique to each community.
Dr. Robert Lawrence, Chief Medical Officer for the State of Alaska, said, “Trips like these are essential for policy makers and governmental leaders to witness firsthand what’s working and where improvements are needed. It gave us the chance to sit down with communities, meet the people who work in the clinics, and truly listen to their stories and needs. Issues like clean water, safe housing, Elder care, substance abuse, and access to subsistence foods are all solvable challenges–and we are committed to addressing them.”
TCC extends its heartfelt thanks to the local tribal leaders, community members, and all participants for their meaningful engagement. Special thanks go to the communities of Eagle, Tetlin, Northway, and Tanacross for their gracious hospitality and for welcoming our guests so warmly. Tsin’ee (thank you) to all the boat drivers, and support staff–your efforts were essential to the success of this trip, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
TCC looks forward to continuing this annual tradition, inviting representatives to a different subregion each year. This continued effort helps to strengthen relationships between organizations and tribal leaders, while providing key decision-makers the opportunity to witness firsthand the issues our tribal communities face.
