Providing current news on Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska's
government, administrative, and program activities.
- June/July 2017 -
TRIBAL UPDATE

News in this Edition...

  • Sacred Grounds Café Holds Grand Opening
  • Sarah Dybdahl Hired as New Cultural Heritage & Education Manager
  • William Ware Appointed to Governor's Tribal Advisory Committee
  • Jessie Archibald Appointed to the Alaska Bar Association's Discipline Committee
  • Funding Secured to Complete Forest Management Plans on Native Allotments
  • Support Needed for Southeast Alaska Native Veterans Memorial Park Renovations
  • Cultural Activities Raffle Fundraiser
  • Only Fools Run At Midnight Raises $10K for Alumni Scholarships
  • Application Period Open for Alumni Scholarships
  • Head Start Now Enrolling for 2017-2018 School Year
  • Back to School Backpack Fair
  • Linking Generations By Strengthening Relationships®
  • Medical Fundraiser & Appreciation Dinner for Senator Albert Kookesh
GOVERNMENT ACTIVITY
Sacred Grounds Café Holds Grand Opening
On July 21, 2017, Tlingit & Haida celebrated the grand opening of its new coffee shop, Sacred Grounds Café. 

There was a great community turnout for the event which included a ribbon cutting ceremony, catered light refreshments, fresh brewed coffee on the house and an all-day $2 special on all espresso drinks. 

Sacred Grounds (320 W. Willoughby Ave.) features a unique roasted coffee blend supplied by Skya'ana Coffee Co., a Native-owned coffee roaster in Klawock, Alaska. The shop is open Monday thru Friday from 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM and offers great everyday community discounts: Military (15% off), Government Employees (Federal, State, & Municipal - 10% off), and Senior Citizens (65 & Older - 10% Off). For a quiet setting and free Wi-Fi, start your morning with a cup of Sacred Grounds coffee!

Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa to Skyáana Coffee Co., KINY Radio, Breeze In, Juneau Empire and KTOO for all the support to get the word out on Sacred Grounds! 

To receive notice of discounts and other promotions, make sure to “Like” and “Share” Sacred Grounds' official Facebook business page.  
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES
Sarah Dybdahl Hired as New Cultural Heritage & Education Manager
Tlingit & Haida is pleased to announce Sarah Dybdahl as the Tribe’s new Cultural Heritage & Education Manager. In this position, Sarah will oversee the coordination of Tlingit & Haida’s cultural activities and develop cultural programs in collaboration with tribes and other entities. 

The newly created Cultural Heritage & Education department was established to strengthen Tlingit & Haida’s nationhood. It reflects the principle that our communities, lands and tribal citizens thrive when our culture is our foundation. The department will incorporate ancestral knowledge to strengthen our languages, arts and cultural practices for the wellbeing of our people and government.

"This is a historic expansion for the Tribe that moves to incorporate our cultures as a basis for governing," said President Richard (Chalyee Éesh) Peterson. "It means that we value our cultures as the keystone for our wellbeing and for safeguarding our sovereign tribal government for future generations. One cannot exist without the other. Sarah brings the right mix of experience, dedication, vision and cultural knowledge to build this department from the ground up." 


Press Release: http://conta.cc/2h7qzoH    
William Ware Appointed to Governor's Tribal Advisory Committee
Tribal Transportation Manager Will Ware has been appointed to a three-year term on the Governor’s Tribal Advisory Council to fill the transportation seat. The council consists of 11 members who represent tribal interest in the areas of wildlife and fisheries, transportation, housing, subsistence, public safety, justice, language and culture, economic development, energy and natural resources, healthcare, and education. Members are appointed by Governor Walker to identify areas of concern, opportunities for collaboration and suggest policy, programs and other means and methods for solutions and progress to maximize partnership, resolve issues, and generate timely, efficient, and effective responses to both pressing and long-range matters affecting the State and tribes. 

“I am honored to have been appointed to the Governor’s Tribal Advisory Council,” said Will Ware. “As I am filling the transportation seat, I hope to continue to bring before our State’s leadership the importance of collaboration between the Alaska Department of Transportation and Alaska’s federally recognized tribes, and regular and reliable transportation access to and from, as well as within our rural communities. Access to medical services, shopping, cultural events and school-related travel are essential to the health and wellbeing of our region and our rural communities.”    

Press Release: http://conta.cc/2u64L2a
Jessie Archibald Appointed to the Alaska Bar Association's Discipline Committee
Tribal Child Support Unit (TCSU) Manager Jessie Archibald has been appointed by Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice Craig Stowers to serve a four-year term as an attorney member for the Alaska Bar Association’s Area Discipline Committee.

A Discipline Committee is established in each of the judicial districts and is charged with holding hearings to assess the validity of allegations of improper conduct against a member of the Association.

“I am deeply honored to know that Chief Justice Craig Stowers felt I am worthy of such an important responsibility,” said Jessie Archibald. 

Press Release: http://conta.cc/2uj1AEo
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
Funding Secured to Complete Forest Management Plans on Native Allotments
The Native Lands & Resources (NLR) department was awarded $110,000 from the BIA to conduct a forest inventory analysis and develop a forest management plan for Southeast Alaska Native allotments. 

There are more than 12,000 acres of Native allotments in approved or certified status in Southeast Alaska (allotments are still being adjudicated). The last forest inventory completed by Tlingit & Haida was in 2000 and is conducted every 15-20 years. Forest inventory is the process of gathering information on the quantity and quality of forest resources (i.e. what tree species are present and the condition of their health) and is used to create a forest management plan as required by the BIA. The forest management plan is essential to Native allotments owners to ensure they receive the greatest benefit from their land and helps them to make informed decisions on how to manage and develop their forest resources (i.e. timber sales, reforestation, tree thinning, etc.).

Tlingit & Haida has contracted with Sanders Consulting Forestry to complete the forest inventory and analysis field work on all Native allotments in the Southeast Alaska (Sealaska) region. Field work for the project started in in Haines and was completed in June. The project is expected to continue throughout the summer and be completed next year depending on additional funding.

For questions relating to Tlingit & Haida’s Forestry program, please contact NLR Manager Desiree Duncan at 907.463.7183 or  dduncan@ccthita-nsn.gov.  
Support Needed for Southeast Alaska Native Veterans Memorial Park Renovations
Conceptual plans have been finalized for the redesign of the Southeast Alaska Native Veterans Memorial Park. Corvus Design has been awarded the contract to complete the project.

The memorial park will include a courtyard paved with colored concrete that incorporates formline art. A central feature of the memorial will be the raven/eagle bentwood box totem surrounded by an honor wall and another wall flying the colors of the military service branches. An eagle and raven totem pole will stand on opposite edges of the park which will be screened with native plants and grasses. The memorial will also include a traditional canoe and interpretive signs along the perimeter.

The project is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2018, but depending on funding, it may need to be completed in phases. To help raise funds for the project, Tlingit & Haida’s Tribal Transportation department has launched a raffle fundraiser in partnership with Southeast Alaska Native Veterans. 

Prizes: 1st Prize: $2,500 • 2nd Prize: $1,500 • 3rd Prize: $1,000 • 4th Prize: $500 • 5th Prize: $400
6th Prize: $300 • 7th Prize: $200 • 8th-13th Prizes: $100

Tickets are available for $10 and can be purchased from the Andrew Hope Building (320 W. Willoughby Avenue), Edward K. Thomas Building (9097 Glacier Highway) or by calling 907.463.7110. D rawing will be held during the Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11, 2017 at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall in Juneau (need not be present to win).

If you are interested in purchasing a raffle ticket or would like to make a donation, please contact the Tribal Transportation department at 907.463.7763 otransportation@ccthita-nsn.gov.  
Cultural Activities Raffle Fundraiser
Help Tlingit & Haida raise funds to support cultural activities at the future location of the Tlingit & Haida Cultural Immersion Park. Cultural activities will include language classes, dance group practices, culture camps and classes to learn traditional art techniques of basket weaving, metal and wood carving, and form line design. Tickets are available for $10 and can be purchased from the Andrew Hope Building (320 W. Willoughby Avenue), Edward K. Thomas Building (9097 Glacier Highway) or by calling 907.463.7110. Drawing will be held September 8, 2017 (need not be present to win).

Prizes: 1st Prize: Two Airline Tickets • 2nd Prize: $750 • 3rd Prize: $500 • 4th Prize: $250 • 5th - 14th Prizes: $100

If you are interested in purchasing a raffle ticket or would like to make a donation, please contact the Business & Economic Development department at 907.463.7121 or deptbed@ccthita-nsn.gov.
Only Fools Run at Midnight Event Raises Over $10K for Alumni Scholarships
Nearly 400 people turned out for the 33rd Annual Only Fools Run At Midnight event in Juneau, Alaska on the evening of June 24th. This year’s 5k run and 1 mile walk event was hosted by Tlingit & Haida to promote family activity and wellness while also raising funds for Tlingit & Haida’s Alumni Scholarship program. Over $10,000 was raised for the scholarship program which lost its main source of funding (the Annual Spring King Salmon Derby) following the emergency king salmon closure issued by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. 

Tlingit & Haida would like to thank the following Juneau businesses, organizations, and individuals for their generous donations to the 33rd Annual Only Fools Run At Midnight event: Alaska Seaplanes, Foodland IGA, Alaskan Outdoor Wearhouse & Embroidery, Fred Meyer, Alaskan Brewing Company, The Alaska Club/JRC, Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority, Sealaska, Randy’s Rib Shack, Sandpiper Café, The Alaska Club, NAO (Nugget Alaskan Outfitter), Adventure Bound Alaska, Taku Fisheries, Changing Tides, Olsen Consulting, Inc., Sacred Grounds, Alaska Native Sisterhood Glacier Valley Camp 70, and Ed and Cathy Thomas. 

Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa also to Tlingit & Haida employees and all those who volunteered and or participated in the event. A special thank you to KTOO and Juneau Trail and Road Runners for their technical assistance.
Application Period Open for Alumni Scholarships
Mark your calendars! The Alumni Scholarship Assistance program is accepting applications through September 15, 2017. The scholarship program provides annual financial awards to tribally-enrolled citizens who are attending an accredited college or university regardless of service area, community affiliation, origination, reslidence, tribal compact, or signatory status. Award amounts are based on funds raised through various fundraising activities and donations received during Tribal Assembly, from private donors, and through vendor/associate solicitations. 

Apply Now!  

For more information, contact Higher Education at 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7329 ohighereducation@ccthita-nsn.gov
Head Start Enrolling for 2017-2018 School Year
Tlingit & Haida Head Start is now accepting applications for the 2017-2018 school year!

Head Start promotes school readiness and provides education activities that support cognitive, social, and emotional development. If you have a child between the ages of 3-5 and reside in Angoon, Craig, Hoonah, Juneau, Klawock, Petersburg, Saxman, Sitka, Wrangell or Yakutat, please make sure to apply!

For more information, contact Head Start at 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7127 or depthds@ccthita-nsn.gov.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Back to School Backpack Fair
Date: July 29, 2017
Time: 9 AM - Noon (Pre-K to Grade 5) / 1 PM - 4:30 PM (Grade 6 to 12)
Location: Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall (320 W. Willoughby Avenue - Juneau, AK) 

For those who reside in Juneau and submitted an application to receive a backpack, Tlingit & Haida’s Back to School Backpack Fair is Saturday, July 29, 2017! We are excited to share that Miss Alaska USA Alyssa London will be our featured motivational speaker to help our kids start the school year off right.

If you missed the deadline, you can still apply to receive a backpack (available on a first come first serve basis due to limited backpacks and supplies). Once an application is received, backpacks will be available for pickup July 31st-August 4th from the TANF Office (3075 Vintage Boulevard, Suite 200).
 
Eligibility Requirements:
  • Must Reside in Tlingit & Haida’s Service Area
  • Must be Alaska Native or American Indian
  • Child(ren) must be between the age of preschool to grade 12

Tlingit & Haida’s 477 Division will also be distributing backpacks with school supplies to all Southeast Alaska communities in partnership with Southeast Alaska village tribes.
 
For more information, call 907.463.7158 or depttanf@ccthita-nsn.gov.
Linking Generations By Strengthening Relationships®
Date: August 1, 2017
Time:  5:30 -7:30 PM
Location:  TANF Office (3075 Vintage Blvd. - Juneau, AK) 

Linking Generations By Strengthening Relationships® is a 14-week class that builds upon the Fatherhood & Motherhood Is Sacred® curriculum. The goal of the class is to help fathers, mothers and families build capacity to engage in and maintain healthy relationships and will explore the truths and myths of strong, healthy and positive relationships. 

For more information or to register, contact Ian Petershoare  at  ipetershoare@ccthita-nsn.gov or 907.463.7737.
Medical Fundraiser & Appreciation Dinner for Senator Albert Kookesh
Date: August 25, 2017
Time: 5:00 -8:00 PM
Location: Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall (320 W. Willoughby
Avenue - Juneau, AK)
FB Event Page: bit.ly/2vbR4Qj

Tlingit & Haida, Sealaska and Sealaska Heritage Institute have joined together to host a medical fundraiser & appreciation dinner for Senator Albert Kookesh (Ka’sháan) who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Senator Kookesh has dedicated his life to advocating & supporting our Southeast Alaska communities and people, and we need your support.

Donations Needed:
We are currently seeking donations (i.e. Native foods, art, jewelry, gift certificates, desserts). If you would like to make a contribution, items may be dropped off Tlingit & Haida's Edward K. Thomas Building (9097 Glacier Highway).

For more information, contact the Office of the President at 907.463.7379 or cjackson@ccthita-nsn.gov.
  Our Mission
“Preserving our sovereignty, enhancing our economic and cultural resources, and promoting self-sufficiency and self-governance for our citizens through collaboration, service, and advocacy.”