Nov-Dec 2015 Tribal News

Tlingit & Haida Central Council

Tribal News

November/December 2015

New Certified Tribal Artist Program Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Central Council) has launched its new “Certified Tribal Artist” program. The program was developed in response to a resolution adopted by the Tribal Assembly in April 2014 and will certify tribally-enrolled artists who reside in and outside of Alaska.

The Business and Economic Development department undertook the implementation of the resolution and worked with Central Council’s Program Compliance (Enrollment) department and Communications program on developing the application and certification process as well as the program’s emblem design.

The State of Alaska’s Silver Hand program helps Alaska Native artists promote their work in the marketplace and enables consumers to identify and purchase authentic Alaska Native art. Unfortunately, only Alaska Natives residing in Alaska are eligible to apply for the certification.

“Our Tribe has thousands of tribal citizens that live outside of Alaska,” said Business & Economic Development Manager Myrna Gardner. “Central Council’s mission is to support economic self-sufficiency for our people and communities.

Helping our tribal citizens market their arts and crafts is our way of aiding the mission and now tribal citizens worldwide can proudly show they are a certified tribal artist.”

Seattle Delegate and renowned Haida carver Fred Lauth Sr. is the first tribal citizen artist to be certified by Central Council. To find out how you can become certified, contact Business & Ecomomic Development at 800.344.1432 ext. 7139, 907.463.7139 or deptbed@ccthita.org.

“This is a wonderful way for the Tribe to exercise self-governance and support our tribal citizens,” said President Richard Peterson. “The artwork of our tribal citizens, regardless of what state or country they reside in, is still authentic and Alaska Native-made—that’s the message we want to provide consumers.”

I N S I D E

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Tribal Enrollment Update Fred Lauth Awarded AFN President’s Citizen of the Year Award Rob Sanderson Jr. Appointed to Statewide Suicide Prevention Council Jason Wilson Appointed to State Board of Parole Veterans Day Ceremony Baseline Water Quality Testing Begins on Stikine and Taku Rivers Program Outreach 2016 Native Issues Forums

• • • • • • • • • •

Mark Your Calendars Xhixhch X’awditaaní – The Frog Spoke Native American Heritage Month Celebration Staff Receive ALICE Training Employee Benefits Fair Motherhood Is Sacred Presiding Judge Hired Second Chance Progress Report Rob Sanderson Jr. Elected NCAI Area VP Alternate Site Visit with Pueblo of Acoma

Tribal Enrollment Update Submitted By: Program Compliance

The Tribal Enrollment Committee met October 20–22, 2015 to review and approve tribal enrollment applications. A total of 271 new tribal enrollment applications were approved, bringing Central Council’s active tribal enrollment count to 30,134.

Below are the number of newly enrolled tribal citizens by community. Verification letters have been mailed out to all new tribal citizens.

New Tribal Citizens

by Community

Anchorage Angoon Craig Haines Hoonah Hydaburg Juneau Ketchikan Klawock Petersburg San Francisco Seattle Sitka Wrangell Yakutat Other Total

11 2 5 5 8 4 56 7 4 2 10 70 2 7 3 75 271

The following Delegates served on the Tribal Enrollment Committee in 2015: Ella Bennett, Jolene Edenshaw, LaVerne Wise, Martha Johnson and Bertha Karras.

For more information, please contact: Program Compliance Toll Free: 800.344.1432 ext. 7359 Direct: 907.463.7359 Fax: 907.885.0052 2

Fred Lauth Awarded AFN President’s Citizen of the Year Award Submitted By: Office of the President

Central Council congratulates Seattle Delegate and 2015 Delegate Citizen of the Year, Fred Lauth, for receiving the 2015 Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) President’s Citizen of the Year award in recognition of his commitment to improving the health and prosperity of our Native people!

Fred was raised in Hydaburg, Alaska and is Haida (mother’s side) and Tlingit (father’s side). His Tlingit name is Steeyun and his Haida name is Iljewaas — both translate to “big man sitting.”

Fred Lauth Sr.

Fred received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Northwest Coast Art in 1985 from the University of Washington. While pursuing his degree, he studied under carvers Marvin Oliver, Duane Pasco, and Steve Brown. After receiving his degree, Fred served as Executive Director of the American Indian Elders of Seattle for five years, and went on to become the Chief Executive Officer of the Western Coalition of Alaska Natives (WECAN). In 2008, he was elected to the Cape Fox Corporation Board of Directors where he served as president until 2014.

Fred has been an elected Delegate to the Central Council for over 25 years; he served over five years on the Executive Council, and has been a council member for the Tlingit & Haida Washington Chapter for over two decades.

He is married to Seattle Delegate Marian (Peratrovich) Lauth from the Raven-Strongman-Woodworm Clan of Klawock, Alaska. Fred is the owner and operator of One Haida Frog Totems, a carving shop located near the Ballard Bridge in Washington where he carves totems, masks, and many other works of art.

Marian and Fred Lauth Sr.

Rob Sanderson Jr. Appointed to Statewide Suicide Prevention Council Submitted By: Office of the President

Central Council is pleased to announce the recent appointment of 2nd Vice President Rob Sanderson Jr. to the rural seat on the Statewide Suicide Prevention Council. The council consists of 17 members, 12 of which are appointed by the Governor for a four-year term. Rob is one of three recent appointments and joins former Central Council President and current Juneau Delegate William Martin on the council.

“I am very excited Governor Walker has recognized the hard work and tireless dedication of Rob,” said President Richard Peterson. “Rob’s commitment to assuring a better life for our people is a personal mission he has taken very public. He is very deserving of this appointment and will do an outstanding job.”

Rob Sanderson Jr.

The Statewide Suicide Prevention Council serves in an advisory capacity to the Governor and the Alaska State Legislature to improve health and wellness throughout the state by reducing suicide and its effect on individuals, families, and communities. It works to broaden the public’s awareness of suicide and the risk factors related to suicide, enhances suicide prevention services and programs throughout the state, and develops healthy communities through comprehensive, collaborative, community-based, and faith-based approaches.

In addition, the council develops and implements a statewide suicide prevention plan, strengthens existing partnerships and builds new ones between public and private entities that will advance suicide prevention efforts in the state. The council annually presents its findings and recommendations in a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve our people,” said Rob. “Suicide in our rural communities must be addressed and is a top priority of mine. We must be able to recognize the signs and engage in courageous conversations if we are going to reduce the high rate of suicide and help our communities heal.”

For Rob’s full biography, please visit: www.ccthita.org/government/council/directory.

Jason Wilson Appointed to State Board of Parole Submitted By: Office of the President

Central Council congratulates Public Safety Manager Jason Wilson on his recent appointment to the State Board of Parole. Governor Walker appointed Jason to complete a remaining term following a vacancy on the board. He is only the second Alaska Native to be appointed to the board. Jason’s appointment will be reviewed for confirmation by the Alaska State Legislature during their 2016 session. Please join us in recognizing Jason for stepping up to fill this very important position!

The State Board of Parole consists of five members appointed by the Governor.

Appointments are made with due regard for representation of the ethnic, racial, gender and cultural populations of the state. The function of the board is to authorize discretionary parole releases, establish conditions of parole, issue arrest warrants, revoke parole for cause, and also conduct clemency investigations through a hearing process.

For Jason’s full biography, please visit: www.ccthita.org/government/administration.

Jason Wilson

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Veterans Day Ceremony

Submitted By: Office of the President

On November 11th, the Office of the President along with other Central Council staff were honored to attend a Veterans Day ceremony and luncheon hosted by the Southeast Alaska Native Veterans. Commander Ozzie Sheakley opened the program with an outdoor ceremony at the Southeast Alaska Native Veterans Memorial Park that proceeded into the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall.

Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott provided opening comments followed by remarks from several other distinguished guests, some of which included: Grand Camp President Sasha Soboleff, Sealaska Chair Joe Nelson, Representative Sam Kito III, Juneau Tlingit & Haida Community Council President Janice Hotch, Representative Cathy Munoz, Goldbelt Director Randy Wanamaker, and President Richard Peterson.

President Peterson took the opportunity to voice his commitment to Alaska Native Veterans by establishing greater advocacy through Central Council’s services and providing permanent location and preservation of the Southeast Alaska Native Veterans Memorial Park adjacent to the Andrew Hope Building. In acknowledgment of President Peterson’s support, Commander Sheakley and Andy Ebona presented him with a medal bestowing him with honorary membership to the Southeast Alaska Native Veterans.

During the event, Central Council employee Tina DeAsis-Wright presented President Peterson with a tribal flag on behalf of her father Milton DeAsis, who gifted it to the Tribe in honor of our Southeast Alaska Native Veterans. Tina’s son U.S. Marine Corporal Damon Wright, whose Tlingit name is Juno Laxe’itl, gifted the flag to his grandfather Milton after having it flown in Afghanistan on September 11, 2010. The flag and certificate authenticating it was flown in the face of enemies will be displayed in the Andrew Hope building.

Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to the Southeast Alaska Native Veterans for coordinating this Veterans Day event and to all those who attended to honor our Veterans!

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To view more photos from the event, please visit Central Council’s Flickr page: www.flickr.com/ccthita.

Baseline Water Quality Testing Begins on Stikine and Taku Rivers

Submitted By: Native Lands & Resources

Early in November, Native Lands and Resources’ Environmental Specialist Jennifer Hanlon, along with consultant Cathy Needham (Kai Environmental Consulting Services), traveled to the Stikine and Taku rivers to collect water samples for baseline water quality testing. Chris Hatton, Environmental Technician for Wrangell Cooperative Association (Stikine), and Bernadine DeAsis, Environmental Technician for Douglas Indian Association (Taku), also participated in the collection of water samples.

The baseline water quality testing is part of a three-year study funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The study will look at the levels of heavy metals and other toxic substances on the Stikine, Taku, and Unuk, which are the proposed locations of several largescale mines in British Columbia. The project goal is to produce comprehensive, statistically valid, and scientifically defensible baseline water quality data to help inform regulatory agencies on impacts from upstream development and to aid in management of these rivers to protect downstream communities.

Data collected from the water quality testing will be shared with the State of Alaska, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, regulatory agencies in British Columbia, and the public.

Site visits to both rivers will continue on a monthly basis as weather and time permit. Logistics for the Unuk River are still in the works, but trips will commence as soon as possible.

Central Council is collaborating on this project with the local tribal governments that have historic connections to these rivers and watersheds.

Program Outreach Submitted By: Office of the President

In the spirit of collaboration, Central Council joined other Southeast Alaska Native organizations in co-sponsoring the annual Holiday Information Fair that was held in Juneau on December 10, 2015.

The event was very well attended and offered visitors an opportunity to obtain information on programs and services from Central Council, Sealaska, Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority, Sealaska Heritage Institute, SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium, Goldbelt and other organizations in Juneau.

Central Council staff from the following departments were on hand and excited to share program information and answer questions on the services they provide: • Business & Economic Development • Child Care • Employment & Training • Higher Education • Native Lands & Resources • Program Compliance (Enrollment) • Second Chance Re-entry • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families • Tribal Family & Youth Services • Tribal Child Support Unit • Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Highlights from the fair included dance group performances, door prizes, and children’s activities including photos with Santa.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit with our staff!

2016 Native Issues Forums Submitted By: Office of the President

Central Council is pleased to host the 2016 Native Issues Forums. The forums provide a great opportunity to hear presentations on issues that are of importance to the Native community.

The Native Issues Forums will be held in Juneau at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall located at 320 W. Willoughby Avenue. Doors open at 11:30 AM and the forums will run from Noon to 1:00 PM. Save the Dates 2016 Native Issues Forums • January 27, 2016 • February 10, 2016 • February 24, 2016

Mark Your Calendars December 2015 Events

1-4: BIA25 Tribal Providers Conference – Anchorage, AK

7-8: 11th Annual Comprehensive Conference on Energy in Alaska – Anchorage, AK

7-9: Climate Change Adaptation Workshop – Tulalip, WA

10: Holiday Information Fair – Juneau, AK 17-18: Executive Council Meeting – Juneau, AK

25: Christmas Day (Observed ~ Offices Closed)

January 2016 Events

1: New Year’s Day (Observed ~ Offices Closed)

14: 2016 State of Indian Nations – Washington, DC

27: Native Issues Forum – Juneau, AK 27-29: 6th Annual Native American Human Resources Conference

(nativenationevents.org) – Las Vegas, NV

TBD: Executive Council Meeting

• March 9, 2016

February 2016 Events

• March 23, 2016

1-4:

8-9: 8-12:

10: 22-25:

24: TBD:

• April 6, 2016 For more information, please contact: Grace Singh Special Assistant to the President 907.463.7103 gsingh@ccthita.org or Megan Gregory Secretary to the President 907.463.7379 mgregory@ccthita.org

Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Winter Convention (www.atnitribes.org) – Suquamish, WA 2016 Innovation Summit – Juneau, AK Alaska Forum on the Environment – Anchorage, AK Native Issues Forum – Juneau, AK NCAI Executive Council Winter Session (www.ncai.org) – Washington, DC Native Issues Forum – Juneau, AK Executive Council Meeting

Save-the-Date

81st Annual Tribal Assembly April 20-22, 2016 Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall Juneau, Alaska

For questions regarding Tribal Assembly, please contact: Grace Singh, Special Assistant to the President Office of the President 9097 Glacier Highway, Juneau AK 99801 Toll Free: 800.344.1432 ext. 7103 • Direct: 907.463.7103 Email: gsingh@ccthita.org • Fax: 888.335.8981 6

Xhixhch X’awditaaní - The Frog Spoke Submitted By: Native Lands & Resources

On November 6, 2015, the Khaach.ádi clan of Wrangell held a khoo.éex’, in part for past clan members but also to welcome their repatriated Frog Hat back to Wrangell. Supporting them as jín da.aat (other raven clans which brought helping hands) were the Kiks.ádi, Teeyhítaan, Kwaashk’ikhwaan, and the Basket Bay House of the Deisheetaan, who co-hosted the party for their own past members who grew up part of the Wrangell community.

Before the ceremony started, a child of the clan carried the Frog Hat from the property where their clan houses once stood, to the Nolan Center where it was placed on the table with the at.óox’u of the other Raven clans present. Since the Naanya.aayí clan revived the ceremonies in 2008, this was only the third one since then and the first in many years for this clan.

Lawrence Bahovec, as the eldest of the Kayáashkéedítaan clan at age 98, placed the Frog Hat on Gilbert Gunderson, who is the eldest member of the Khaach.ádi, after which the memorial songs were completed for the Ravens. The Wolf Moiety (“Eagles”) responded in kind with their own wrapping up with the Naanya.aayí Marmot Hat song, their own hat having come back only last year. The needed balance was once again present. Other Wolf clan’s present as guests were the Yanyeidí, S’iknaxh.ádi, Kaagwaantaantaan, and Naasteidí.

The hat was then placed between the two Frog Houseposts and surrounded with many tin.aa which were to be given away later; some tin.aa were hung off the arms of the houseposts. During this portion, many gifts were given out, meals served, and fun times and dancing took place since it had “tipped over to joy” as it is said in Tlingit. Also during this time, a new song was given. When the hat came ashore Kaawóotk’ Ghuwakaan tapped the box and said, “Neildéi kúxhdei i yagút.” or “You have returned home.” The hat replied, “Gunalchéesh.”

Words for the song came after the hat spoke are: 1. “What was it that said “Thank you!”? Your father’s frog, children of Khaach.ádi; We’ll hold your hands.”

2. “The little Raven walks the world’s beaches, Children of Teeyhítaan; we are looking among your faces.”

The Teeyhítaan were included in this song because they recently had a clan hat returned as well. Forty-eight tin.aa (coppers), more than 150 wool blankets, cash, canned goods, and “give-away” items were distributed to the guests.

The Khaach.ádi upheld Haa Khusteeyí (Our Way of Life), publicly, and with respect in telling of their history, the history of their hat and its return. Voices of the ancestors which still resonated in the hat and the houseposts, now carry the sounds of “those who came after,” and will carry this for future generations.

Yeedat sá yéi át yatee, oo awdudlixhaaji kháa. Heinaxh kháa géidei yaxhghaagoot.

(Life should be this way: That someone you’ve given up hope of ever seeing again, and suddenly he comes walking around the corner.) — Cyril George Yes, the Frog said it. “Gunalchéesh.”

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Native American Heritage Month Celebration Submitted By: Office of the President

On November 16th, Central Council hosted a reception and recruitment rally for the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) and Alaska Native Sisterhood (ANS) in honor of Native American Heritage Month. This year’s event celebrated the history and ongoing efforts of the ANB/ANS, 100 year anniversary of the ANS, and also served as an opportunity for local camps to recruit new members.

Over 100 people turned out for the celebration that was held at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall in Juneau.

President Richard Peterson opened the event with a special welcome and announced his commitment to supporting the ANB/ANS by donating the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall for next year’s Grand Camp Convention and meeting space at Central Council’s tribal facilities for local camp meetings. Other highlights included an amazing performance by Woosh.ji.een dance group, and special comments from ANB Grand Camp President Sasha Soboleff; ANS Grand Camp 1st Vice President Mary Brown; former ANS Grand Camp President Freda Westman; ANB Grand Secretary Peter Naoroz; ANS Camp 70 President Andrea Cesar; and ANS Camp 2 President Rhonda Butler.

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH Celebrating the history & continued work of the Alaska Native Brotherhood & Alaska Native Sisterhood

A heartfelt Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to Juneau T&H Community Council, Sealaska, and Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority for your sponsorship and support!

To view more photos from the event, please visit: www.flickr.com/ccthita.

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Staff Receive ALICE Training Submitted By: Tribal Operations

Central Council’s employees participated in a mandatory ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training on October 23rd and 30th. The training was conducted by the Juneau Police Department to increase safety measures and prepare individuals to handle the threat of a violent intruder.

ALICE teaches individuals to participate in their own survival while leading others to safety. It is not sequential, nor is it meant to be a check list of things to do—it is a list of options that can be used to stay safe in the highly unlikely event of a violent intruder.

The ALICE program was developed by a police officer to keep his wife, an elementary school principal, safe after the tragic events at Columbine.

ALICE continues to be the leading active shooter response program in the United States.

• Alert: notify as many people as possible within the danger zone that a potentially life threatening risk exists.

• Lockdown: secure in place, and prepare to evacuate or counter, if needed.

• Inform: continue to communicate the intruder’s location in real time.

• Counter: interrupt the intruder and make it difficult or impossible to aim. This is a strategy of last resort.

• Evacuate: remove yourself from the danger zone when it is safe to do so.

In addition to the ALICE training, security cameras have been installed and upgraded throughout Central Council’s office locations.

Visit us at Flickr.com/ccthita

Employee Benefits Fair Submitted By: Finance

Open season for Central Council employee benefits is the time when all employees are able to sign up for, cancel, or make changes to their existing benefits. This year’s open season enrollment period ran from November 9th through December 14th.

To help provide tribal employees with more information regarding benefits available to them, Finance hosted an Employee Benefits Fair on Monday, November 23rd in the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall.

Vendors present included Wells Fargo Banking and Financial, Pavitt’s Health and Fitness, The Alaska Club, Blue Cross Blue Shield and SEARHC’s Healing Hands Foundation.

Central Council Payroll & Benefits employees, Laura Jim and Jessie Schoonover, provided information on the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Plans, Dimond Aquatic Pool Center and take care® by WageWorks Flexible Spending Accounts. Employees who attended had the opportunity to sign up for new benefits and to make changes to their existing benefit plans.

Finance will continue to host the Employee Benefits Fair as an annual event to provide employees with important information on the variety of benefits available to them.

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Motherhood Is Sacred Submitted By: Teresa Sarabia

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) department will soon be launching Motherhood Is Sacred (MIS) 12week sessions to promote happy, safe, strong families.

In October, five TANF staff (Tina Stephens, Michele Vitcovich, Crystal Christiansen, Julie Chapman and Martha Moses) attended an intense 3-day training in Meza, AZ to become certified as facilitators in MIS curriculum.

“We bonded as mothers and caregivers of our families, and are excited to put into place this culturally rich model that will help us help our families in need,” said TANF staff.

Motherhood Is Sacred sessions will offer participants the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of responsible motherhood as reflected in Native American values and beliefs.

There is an immediate need to bring Native American men and women back to strengthening families—they are the solution to the problems that face Native communities and they must take a leading role in keeping their families together!

For information on our upcoming Motherhood Is Sacred sessions, please contact 477 TANF: Julie Chapman 709 W. 9th Street Juneau AK 99801 907.463.7313 800.344.1432 ext. 7313 10

Presiding Judge Hired Submitted By: Office of the President

Central Council is pleased to welcome Debra O’Gara as Presiding Judge for the Tribal Court. Prior to assuming her new position, Debra served as the Tribal Court Chief Justice (2012-2015) and Magistrate (2007-2010) where she presided over child support cases.

As Presiding Judge, Debra will be responsible for the operation and advancement of the Tribal Court to include child welfare and juvenile justice alternative sentencing. She will hear and decide judicial matters and Debra O’Gara enter judgments and orders in paternity, child support, domestic violence, as well as generalized family law matters under tribal, federal, and state law.

Debra brings over 25 years of experience practicing law as a prosecutor, staff attorney, private practitioner and mediator. Her areas of expertise are in Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), child support, domestic violence, criminal law, tribal sovereignty, fishing and hunting rights, and jurisdictional issues.

Debra grew up in the Seattle area and spent summers in Mountain Village, Alaska, where her mother was born and raised. Her Tlingit name is Djik Sook and she is a Raven from the Teey Hit Taan clan. She is the niece of the late William Paul and great-granddaughter of the late Tillie Paul Tamaree of Wrangell. She earned a Bachelor of Art’s degree in Political Science from the University of Washington in 1987, a Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon in 1990, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Alaska Southeast in 2013.

“I am honored to be putting my education and experience to work for my Tribe and am committed to expanding and strengthening Central Council’s court system for the betterment of our tribal families and children,” said Debra.

Tribal News Tribal News is a Central Council publication. In 2016, it will return to a quarterly newsletter. Central Council will continue to share important news through monthly Tribal Updates which are distributed via email and posted to the Tribe’s Facebook and Issuu.com pages, as well as our website. For more information, please contact: Office of the President • Communications 800.344.1432 ext. 7368 • 907.463.7368 • communications@ccthita.org facebook.com/ccthita | issuu.com/ccthita | www.ccthita.org

Second Chance Progress Report Submitted By: Public Safety

Since the grant release in October 2014, the Second Chance Reentry program (Second Chance) has been through much transition. From its launch in the Federal Building computer lab to the beautifully remodeled space in the Andrew Hope Building, the program has grown in many ways—from three clients to almost eighty, with the majority of those served being tribal citizens.

Second Chance was initially created to provide education and training to those recently released from incarceration in order to reduce the recidivism rate in our community. With a little extra effort, the team has been able to take on additional clients Second Chance Reentry Staff L-R: Nicky Love, and offer job search and other services to assist clients with a Talia Eames and Rocky Estrada variety of needs. The program has worked very closely with Central Council’s Employment & Training (E&T), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) and Tribal Family & Youth Services (TFYS) departments. Many of the additional services provided are due to these collaborations. Second Chance has also worked closely with the Office of Probation and Parole, Juneau Job Center, SERRC, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Haven House, Juneau Therapeutic Court/Coordinated Resource Project and Gastineau Human Services (GHS). he collaboration with GHS has been a very beneficial one. The majority of new clients are referred from this T agency. Second Chance staff are working with unsentenced clients who cannot leave the GHS campus. During weekly on-site visits, Second Chance staff conduct initial testing in order to help these clients transition to the program after they are sentenced. he next step in program development is to offer job-ready and life skills classes to clients, and also to start the T transition into the program from inside Lemon Creek Correctional Center. This last step will be instrumental in bridging the gap between incarceration and services, a gap that many times results in losing these potential clients to the streets.

For more information, please contact Talia Eames, Second Chance Program Coordinator, at 907.463.7365, 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7365 or teames@ccthita.org.

Rob Sanderson Jr. Elected NCAI Area VP Alternate Submitted By: Office of the President

Congratulations to 2nd Vice President Rob Sanderson Jr. who was elected to serve a two-year term as National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Area Vice President Alternate for the Alaska region.

Central Council also extends a congratulations to Jerry Isaac, former president and chairman of Tanana Chiefs Conference, who will serve as Area Vice President for Alaska.

Thank you both for your leadership and representation on the national level!

Rob Sanderson Jr. with Jerry Isaac

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Central Council

Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska 9097 Glacier Highway Juneau, Alaska 99801 www.ccthita.org • www.facebook.com/ccthita

PRESORTED STANDARD

PAID

Juneau, AK Permit No. 139

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Preserving our sovereignty, enhancing our economic and cultural resources, and promoting self-sufficiency and self-governance for our citizens through collaboration, service, and advocacy.

Site Visit with Pueblo of Acoma

Submitted By: Tribal Family & Youth Services

Group photo with Pueblo of Acoma Social Services and Tribal Council Pictured L-R: Monica Garcia, Jaynie Lewis-Garcia, Marsha Vallo, Melanie Rodriguez, TFYS Director Francine Eddy Jones, Governor Fred Vallo Sr., 1st Lt. Governor Robert MoQuino, Margaret Katzeek, Barbara Dude, Jennifer Valdo, and Stacie Oso

In October, four Tribal Family & Youth Services (TFYS) staff traveled to Acoma, New Mexico to share how they administer their child welfare program—specifically the Preserving Native Families program—with the Pueblo of Acoma Tribe (Acoma). The peer-to-peer site visit with Acoma’s Social Services program allowed both groups to engage in mutual sharing of program information.

During the visit, TFYS staff shared how they maximize tribal Title IV-E dollars as well as how the Tribal In-Home Case Management Model is used in conjunction with the Structured Decision Making Tool for prevention purposes. Acoma staff shared how they are beginning at stage one to revive their program as well as how their strong cultural beliefs impact their work in the community. For more information on this visit, please contact Barbara Dude, TFYS Child Welfare Specialist, at 800.344.1432 ext. 7148, 907.463.7148 or bdude@ccthita.org.