On March 14th, 2022, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) officially recognized Trimble Gilbert of Arctic Village as the new First Traditional Chief of the TCC region. Chief Gilbert previously served as Second Traditional Chief of TCC and inherited his new position after the passing of First Traditional Chief Don Honea Sr. in September of 2021.
A Second Traditional Chief will be elected by the Denakkanaaga Board of Directors at their Annual Meeting later this year.
The Traditional Chief is a life-long role that serves as an ambassador of traditional knowledge and the Athabascan culture. TCC has only had five other traditional chiefs; Chief Don Honea Sr. of Ruby, Chief David Salmon of Chalkyitsik, Chief Franklin Madros Sr. of Kaltag, Chief Peter John of Minto and Chief Andrew Isaac of Dot Lake.