Interior Alaska made a significant mark at the 3rd Annual White House Tribal Nations Summit, hosted by the Biden administration, which emphasized the region’s commitment to advancing Tribal interests on the national stage.
Chief Nancy James of Gwichyaa Zhee contributed to the discussions by participating in a panel titled ‘Protecting Tribal Homelands in the Era of Climate Change.’ Her insights shed light on the pressing environmental concerns affecting our communities, highlighting the region’s proactive stance in addressing the impact of climate change.
Additionally, Chief Brian Ridley had the privilege of standing alongside President Biden during a historic moment. President Biden signed an executive order aimed at expanding Tribal self-determination across the 574 federally recognized Tribes, a move intended to facilitate Native Americans’ access to federal funding and grant greater autonomy in its utilization.
Chief Ridley expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is a profound honor to stand alongside President Biden and represent Interior Alaska at the White House Tribal Nations Summit. This executive order holds the promise of a brighter future for our Tribal communities. I hope it will pave the way for easier access to funds, enabling us to address the unique needs of our people and build a stronger, more sustainable future.”
The executive order represents a significant stride toward empowering Tribal communities and streamlining their access to federal resources. Chief Ridley’s sentiment underscores the responsibility that comes with representing Interior Alaska on a national stage, emphasizing the positive impact this executive order could have on the region.
As we celebrate the achievements of our Interior Alaska leaders at the summit, we look forward to witnessing the tangible benefits this executive order will bring to our Tribal communities. Together, we remain committed to advocating for the well-being, sovereignty, and prosperity of our people.
