On August 22, 2023, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) leadership and Tribal Leaders had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. The Attorney General and Senator Lisa Murkowski travelled to Galena to tour the community and sit down with Tribal Leaders and community members to learn about the public safety challenges faced in rural Alaska. Chief/Chairman Brian Ridley, Vice-President Sharon Hildebrand, First Chief of Galena Charlie Green, First Chief of Huslia Carl Burgett, First Chief of Minto Lori Baker, and Tanana Council Member Lois Huntington were among those in attendance.
After these meetings, the Attorney General announced that the Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime will be awarding almost $70 million in grant funding to support services for American Indian and Alaska Native victims of crime. These awards will fund a range of services for crime victims in more than 200 Tribal communities. And almost $22 million of that funding will go to 67 Tribal communities here in Alaska.
TCC would like to thank Attorney General Garland and Senator Murkowksi for taking the time to have meaningful discussion with Tribal Leaders and for prioritizing public safety in rural Alaska. Mahsi’ Choo.
