Dear Tribal Members,
As we enter into hunting season, I hope that you and your family enjoy your time outside together and that you are able to get enough food to fill your freezer. This season is a special time for many of us, a time to connect with the land, practice traditions, and ensure our families are taken care of.
Last month, I had the privilege of attending fall subregional meetings in various communities, including Arctic Village, Allakaket, Manley, and Anchorage. I would like to thank our Executive Board representatives for their leadership in guiding these meetings, to the Tribal delegates for their active participation, and to the communities for hosting us. It is always a pleasure to hear about the amazing things happening in your communities and to be able to provide answers to any questions you might have.
In August, we hosted our annual Partners Boat Trip, visiting the Upper Tanana subregional communities of Eagle, Northway, Tetlin, and Tanacross. This trip is a vital opportunity to connect Tribal Leaders with key representatives from various organizations, fostering collaboration and understanding. More information about this trip will be available in our October issue, so stay tuned.
I’m also excited to share news about a new initiative from our TCC Realty department who have been working closely with Doyon, Limited to develop a trespass monitoring and data collection app. This app is part of a larger trespass reduction program that we are piloting in five communities during this year’s hunting season. The selected communities will help us test the app and method to ensure that any issues are smoothed out before we expand the program. Our goal is to perfect the app, secure sustainable funding, and eventually make it available to every community. This initiative is a critical step in protecting our lands and ensuring they are respected by all.
As many of you are already aware, Senator Dan Sullivan recently inserted an amendment in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would legislatively force the approval of the Ambler Road Access Project. I want to reassure you that TCC is still under the direction of two Full Board Resolutions to continue to oppose this road. Our commitment to protecting our lands and communities remains unwavering, and we ask for your support in this effort. Please join us in opposing the Ambler Road by signing our petition at
www.tananachiefs.org/noamblerroad.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our shared mission and for the strength you bring to our communities.
Mahsi’ Choo,
Chief Brian Ridley