Dear Tribes and Tribal Members,
As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the challenges we face and the strength we continue to show as a community. I know that many of you may be concerned about the change in our country’s administration and the political shifts taking place. There are fears that much of the progress we’ve made in recent years to protect our lands, animals, and way of life could be at risk.
I want you all to know that, no matter who sits in the White House, in Juneau, or in local positions, we will continue to stand firm in our fight for our traditions, values, and culture. We have faced challenges before, and we will face them again. During President Trump’s previous administration, we experienced significant cuts to Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) funding, which required our staff to advocate to minimize the impact of the funding cuts. Now, with an unbalanced House and Senate, there are fewer safeguards against potential cuts to critical funding.
I urge our Tribes to keep this in mind when planning budgets and preparing for the years ahead. In recent years, we have seen an influx of funds through COVID relief and other sources, but we must remain vigilant and prepared for possible reductions. Strategic planning and prudent financial management will be essential as we navigate these uncertain times.
Last month, I had the privilege of attending the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Annual Convention where I hosted a panel to provide insight into Alaska’s unique structure that emerged out of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. This model can seem complex to those outside of Alaska and we thought it was important to share how this structure works among tribes, tribal consortia, and Alaska Native corporations at both village and regional levels. I hope that the panel provided valuable insights into the Alaska model and will encourage lower 48 tribes to support rather than oppose funding opportunities for Alaska tribal members.
Last month, we also hosted our Special Full Board of Directors Meeting in Fairbanks. We had many productive discussions on topics critical to our Tribes, including Reclaiming our People, hunting, fishing, and the implementation of a pilot project that would arm Village Public Safety Officers (VPSOs) in three of our Interior communities. After a lengthy and thoughtful discussion, the Full Board made a motion to defer the final vote on this decision to our Annual Convention in March.
As we approach the holiday season, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all of you. May this time of year bring joy, connection, and peace to you and your loved ones. I also acknowledge that this season can be difficult for many in our community. Let us commit to checking in on one another, treating each other with kindness, and, most importantly, being gentle with ourselves. Together, we can ensure that no one feels alone during this time.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!
Mahsi’ Choo,
Chief Bian Ridley