- November/December 2017 -
TRIBAL UPDATE
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News in this Edition...
- 2018 Delegate Elections Notice
- Tlingit & Haida Welcomes New Tribal Appellate Court Administrator
- President Peterson Speaks at Juneau Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
- Tribal Government Symposium
- Department of Health & Social Services Holds Tribal Consultation
- T&H Representatives Meet with Canadian Government on Transboundary
- Enrollment Committee Report
- Senate Passes Employment & Training Legislation
- Ken Truitt Promoted to Chief Operating Officer
- Power Conference & Job Fair Held
- Holiday Market Held to Support Alaska Native Artists & Vendors
- Save the Dates: 2018 Native Issues Forums
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2018 Delegate Elections Notice
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Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska’s (Tlingit & Haida) Delegate Elections will take place in March 2018. Elected Delegates from each community will serve a two-year term and attend the annual Tribal Assemblies. The number of Delegates per community is based on total voter registry as of December 22, 2017. One Delegate is allocated for every 200 enrolled tribal citizens per community. If you are interested in running for a Delegate seat or would like to ensure that you receive election material, please make sure to update your contact information with Tlingit & Haida.
If you need assistance or would like more information, please feel free to call us toll free at 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7359 or in Juneau at 463.7359.
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Tlingit & Haida Welcomes New Tribal Appellate Court Administrator
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Tlingit & Haida is pleased to welcome Kimberly Martus as the Tribe’s new Tribal Appellate Court Administrator. The newly created position is funded by a grant recently awarded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Tribal Justice Support which is responsible for providing support to tribal justice systems throughout the United States. Working with Tlingit & Haida’s Judiciary Committee, Kimberly will design, build-capacity, and implement the first unified tribal appellate court system in Southeast Alaska.
“Formation of an appellate court will increase access to justice for tribal citizens and provide for fair and equal administration of tribal justice,” said Presiding Judge Debra O’Gara.
“Development of tribal judiciaries in Alaska is my passion and I am honored and ecstatic about having the opportunity to assist the Tribe with such a progressive and cutting-edge initiative,” said Kimberly.
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President Peterson Speaks at Juneau Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
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President Peterson was the featured guest speaker at the Juneau Chamber of Commerce’s (JCC) weekly luncheon on December 7, 2017. Speaking to a full house, President Peterson reported on the Tribe’s economic development activities, community partnerships, programs and services offered, and overall contributions to the community and state. The progress on the development of the Tlingit & Haida Cultural Immersion Park was a particular economic development activity that President Peterson highlighted in his presentation along with the Tribe’s other established business enterprises including the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall, Vocational Training & Resource Center, T&H Services, LLC, and Sacred Grounds Café.
Tlingit & Haida is a proud Capital Member of JCC and looks forward to future opportunities for building partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
Media Coverage:
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Tribal Government Symposium
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President Peterson, First Vice President (VP) Rob Sanderson Jr., and Emerging Leader Keenan Sanderson attended the 3rd Annual Tribal Governance Symposium in Fairbanks, Alaska November 20-22, 2017. The three-day symposium brought together tribal leaders from across the state to build on knowledge, understanding, and relationships for the advancement of Tribal Governance in Alaska. The theme of the symposium this year was “Land – Water – Life” and underscored the
holistic approach towards management that Native cultures exhibit
with panel discussions and work sessions covering tribal governance, indigenous stewardship, advocacy, advancement of ways of life and being good relatives.
President Peterson participated on the Tribal Governance panel during the symposium which reviewed the State of Alaska Attorney General’s issued opinion that finally recognizes the sovereignty of Alaska’s 229 tribes and discussed the importance of building partnerships. First VP Sanderson also used the opportunity to advocate for Southeast issues and priorities including transboundary mining and the impact on our fisheries.
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Department of Health & Social Services Holds Tribal Consultation
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President Peterson attended the 1
st
Annual Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Tribal Consultation December 7-8, 2017 in Anchorage, Alaska. The tribal consultation was coordinated to identify opportunities for further collaboration between DHSS and Alaska tribes to ensure the health and well-being of all Alaskans. While DHSS regularly consults with tribes on Medicaid, this consultation
is DHSS’ first department-wide consultation that covered other topics of interest like health care, public assistance, child welfare, juvenile justice, care for seniors and Alaskans with disabilities, and tackling the opioid epidemic. First Alaskans Institute provided an orientation for the two-day consultation and brief overviews were provided by commissioners and representatives from each State division.
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T&H Representatives Meet with Canadian Government on Transboundary
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In early December, Second Vice President Will Micklin and Special Assistant to the President Heather Gatti traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia (BC) with Lt. Governor Byron Mallot, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Larry Hartig, and Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Deputy Commissioner Heidi Hanson. The Alaska Delegation had meetings with Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC); Federal Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Department for Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources; Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology; and Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. Topics discussed during this trip included: Pacific Salmon Treaty, Ocean Protection Plans, baseline water quality monitoring, environmental assessments, and the importance of strict liability for commercial operations.
The Alaska Delegation also met with the BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee and Chief of Staff Melanie Debassige.
Governor Bill Walker, Lt. Governor Mallott, and Alaska's Congressional Delegates submitted a joint
letter
to United States Department of State Secretary Rex Tillerson in November requesting BC mining projects and their potential impact to Alaska be added to the agenda for the bilateral meetings between the US Department of State and Global Affairs Canada. The letter also urged Secretary Tillerson to consider a number of items in advance of the bilateral meetings.
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Enrollment Committee Report
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Tlingit & Haida’s Enrollment Committee met November 6-9, 2017 in Juneau, Alaska to review 267 tribal enrollment applications. All applications were approved bringing the Tribe’s total active enrollment to 30,985. The Enrollment Committee is comprised of six Delegates appointed by the president and is responsible for ensuring any person applying for tribal citizenship is eligible by reviewing all documentation relative to the enrollment application and certifying eligibility.
The meeting served as an opportunity for new Program Compliance Coordinator Crystal Christiansen to introduce herself to committee members. Committee member and Sitka Delegate Bertha Karras also announced her retirement at the meeting after serving 25 years.
Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa
to Bertha for her many years of dedicated service and for being so instrumental in helping her community and others to make sure tribal enrollment was complete for families.
Enrollment Committee:
Ella Bennett, Chair (Juneau), Laverne Wise, Vice Chair (Seattle),
Stephanie Rainwater, Secretary (Seattle), Judy Helgesen (Craig), Bertha Karras (Sitka), and Frank Wright, Jr. (Hoonah)
New Tribal Enrollment by Community:
Anchorage (15), Angoon (1), Craig (7), Haines (2), Hoonah (3), Hydaburg (1), Juneau (58), Kake (1), Ketchikan (10), Klawock (5), Metlakatla (1), Petersburg (6), San Francisco (1), Seattle (58), Sitka (1), Wrangell (7), Other (84), Canada (6)
Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes
of Alaska
ATTN:
Program Compliance
320 W. Willoughby Avenue, Suite 300
Juneau AK 99801
For more information regarding enrollment, please contact the Program Compliance department at 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7359 or 907.463.7359.
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Senate Passes Employment & Training Legislation
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The Senate’s unanimous passage of
H.R. 228, the Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Act of 2017
, earlier this month was a huge victory for Tlingit & Haida and other tribes across the nation. The new law will not only
improve, but make permanent the Native employment and training programs commonly known as the 477 Program after more than
20 years operating as a demonstration project.
Tlingit & Haida was the first tribe in the nation to enter into a Public Law (P.L.) 102-477 Compact with the United States and has successfully administered the innovative
workforce development demonstration program
for over two decades.
Among other amendments made, the new law will provide the
ability of tribes to integrate federal resources received for employment and training purposes under a single plan and budget.
Other significant changes included in the new law authorizes tribes to recover 100% of indirect costs, expressly repealing caps that would otherwise apply to funds consolidated under a plan and
clarifies the plan approval process and timelines, the roles of various federal agencies involved, the transfer of funds mechanism, and the reporting and audit requirements.
President Donald Trump signed the bill into law today.
Media Coverage:
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ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES
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Ken Truitt Promoted to Chief Operating Officer
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Tlingit & Haida is pleased to announce the promotion of Ken Truitt to Chief Operating Officer (COO). Ken previously served as the Tribe’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer where he spent the last year working closely with former COO Corrine Garza to ensure a smooth transition upon her retirement.
As COO, Ken oversees the Tribal Operations department and provides direct oversight of the following departments: Business & Economic Development, Finance, Head Start, Information Technology, Native Lands & Resources, Property Management, Public Safety, Tribal Transportation, and the Vocational Training & Resource Center. He is also responsible for managing and protecting the Tribe’s assets, and provides administrative support and recommendations to the President in all areas of tribal executive management including policy development.
“I am very pleased with the transition process that brought Ken on board a year ago as Deputy COO,” said President Richard Peterson. “This process was seamless and guaranteed he had the opportunity to thoroughly familiarize himself with the governmental and organizational structure of the Tribe as well as its mission and values. With Ken’s background and qualifications, I am looking forward to working with him as we continue to move the Tribe forward and improve services and opportunities for our tribal citizens.”
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PROGRAM & SERVICE ACTIVITIES
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Power Conference & Job Fair Held
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A Power Conference for Tlingit & Haida clients was hosted by the Tribe’s 477 Division November 16-17, 2017 at the Centennial Hall in Juneau, Alaska. Over 120 clients (93 Employment & Training, 26 TANF, and 2 TVR) attended the two-day conference which focused on empowerment and employment.
This was the first time the division provided breakout sessions to clients which covered topics on soft skills, resume writing, interviewing skills, how social media effects employment, dressing for success, and working with the laborers union.
President Peterson provided a welcome to the attendees and introduced tribal citizen, professional basketball player and motivational speaker Damen Bell-Holter. Damen provided a
special address
and shared his personal story and message of hope and resilience through hard work and determination.
A keynote address was also provided by Anthony Riley, Workforce Development Specialist with the DOI-BIA Office of Indian Services, Division of Workforce Development. Attendees also heard a special message from Sealaska CEO and President Anthony Mallott.
The last day of the conference included a Job Fair with several businesses represented and resource tables available. Several clients were hired directly from the Job Fair by Office Max and Fred Meyer.
Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa
to Michael Hutcherson with Juneau Job Service for supporting the Power Conference, Tom Bryce with the Laborer’s Union for providing a break out session covering information on the Local Union 942 such as job prospects and expectations; and Adam Dordea from Office Max who volunteered to participate and provide breakout sessions on interviewing skills and resume writing.
“I’m very proud of the Employment and Training team,” said E&T Manager Grace Hawkins. “Staff went above and beyond their duties and even reached out to their personal contacts to make sure the Power Conference was a success. I especially want to recognize Veronica Hoyle and Barbara Taug for putting in many extra hours so that everything was in place for the conference. This conference was such a success we are now planning to bring it to Prince of Wales Island in early 2018.”
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Holiday Market Held to Support Alaska Native Artists & Vendors
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For the last four years, Tlingit & Haida’s Business & Economic Development department has hosted the annual Holiday Market (formerly called the Native Artist Market) over Thanksgiving weekend to support Alaska Native artists and business entrepreneurs. The market is a wonderful opportunity for artists to showcase their work, artistry, and skills. This year, the holiday market featured 21 Alaska Native artists and vendors (one artist traveled from as far away as Willow, Alaska) which generated over $14,000 in artist, vendor, Tlingit & Haida logo wear, and food sales. Other highlights from the event included a daily drawing for a free gift card to Sacred Grounds Café, grand prize drawing for a six foot “colossal” holiday stocking, and a fry bread and Indian taco fundraiser coordinated by the
Woosh.ji.een
dance group.
The Holiday Market is funded through a grant received from the United States Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Community Development Block Grant to support self-sufficiency. Each year the Business & Economic Development department coordinates the setup of the venue, advertises the event through social media, radio, and local newspaper, and provides direct support to artists and vendors throughout the three-day event.
Each year, the Holiday Market has grown in vendors and attendees and the Business & Economic Development department looks forward to another year of working to support Alaska Native artists and vendors.
Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa
to this year’s participating artists and vendors!
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Save the Dates: 2018 Native Issues Forums
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Date:
Jan. 18 • Feb. 1 • Feb. 15 • Mar. 1 • Mar. 15 • Mar. 29
Time:
Noon – 1:00 PM (Doors Open at 11:30 AM)
Location:
Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall (320 W. Willoughby Ave. - Juneau, AK)
Tlingit & Haida is pleased to host the 2018 Native Issues Forum series! The forums will feature reports and presentations on a wide range of topics important to our Native community such as Alaska state budget crisis, economic development, education, language, public safety, and transboundary mining. All forums are open to the public and will be webcast live.
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Our Mission
“Preserve our sovereignty, enhance our economic and cultural resources, and promote
self-sufficiency and self-governance for our citizens.”
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