Standing Together - Tanana Chiefs Conference
Transcription
Standing Together - Tanana Chiefs Conference
Dena’ Nena’ Henash • Our Land Speaks Vol. 39, No. 5 A REPORT TO THE MEMBER TRIBES OF TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE MAY 2015 Standing Together Calling for the Conservation and Restoration of King Salmon Attendees of the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission Meeting in Tanana Commissioners spoke out at the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council (the Council) meeting held in Anchorage in April. Tribal leaders representing thousands of subsistence fishermen throughout the Yukon and its tributaries are calling for the conservation of Yukon King salmon through a reduction in bycatch of Yukon King by the Pollock industry in the Bering Sea. Any bycatch is offensive to people on the river who are not able to harvest to feed their families. Tribal Leaders urge, “Every fish counts.” Tribal Leaders are also calling for a Tribal seat on the Council, to ensure that those who rely on the resources to meet their basic needs have their voice heard at the decisionmaking table. The April Council followed a historic meeting in Tanana, where indigenous leaders representing over 20 Tribal Governments from Emmonak to Canada, came together with a unified voice for the restoration and conservation of Yukon River King Salmon. This is the 2nd annual meeting of the Yukon River InterTribal Fish Commission, a body asserting the Tribal responsibility and authority in the management of the critical fishery, for the health and wellbeing of their people, future generations, and all Alaskans and Canadians who rely upon the health of the fisheries. Last spring, the 1st annual meeting of the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission resulted in a self-imposed Yukon King fishing moratorium amongst Tribes along the Yukon. This demonstrated the power of Tribal unity and the sacrifice Alaska Native people who rely upon the resource Continued on page 4... 100 Year Celebration Set For July 6th, 2015 This summer, Tanana Chiefs Conference will be hosting a celebration commemorating the 100th year since the historic meeting of Tanana Chiefs with Judge Wickersham. This 1915 meeting, represented the first recorded historical meeting between these tribes and the federal government. The meeting signified the beginning dialog for the relationship Alaska Native people have with the United States government in terms of Native land claims and the federal trust responsibility for Alaska Native people. SAVE THE DATE Monday, July 6th, 2015 Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall Fairbanks, AK In This Issue: Village Job Summer Work Youth Interview Energy Drinks: What Elders you need to know Openings Experience Page 3 Page 3 Page 6 Page 7 MISSION STATEMENT Tanana Chiefs Conference provides a unified voice in advancing sovereign tribal governments through the promotion of physical and mental wellness, education, socioeconomic development, and culture of the Interior Alaska Native people. VISION Healthy, Strong, Unified Tribes TCC EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS Donald Honea Sr./Ruby 1st Traditional Chief Trimble Gilbert/Arctic Village 2nd Traditional Chief Victor Joseph/ Tanana TCC President Julie Roberts-Hyslop/Tanana Vice President Pollock ‘PJ’ Simon, Jr. /Allakaket Secretary/Treasurer Donald Adams/Tetlin Upper Tanana Nick Alexia Sr./Nikolai Upper Kuskokwim Nancy James/Fort Yukon Yukon Flats Eugene Paul/Holy Cross Lower Yukon Tribes and Tribal Members, It is already May and time seems to fly by. Since our annual convention ended, a lot has happened. Excitement is in the air as the geese arrive and with the possibility of fresh soup to enjoy. Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Nenana Ice Classic (I was not one of them). As many already know, following the elections at our annual convention, the Full Board of Directors elected Pollock (PJ) Simon Jr of Allakaket, as Secretary/Treasurer, the Lower Yukon Subregion re-elected Eugene Paul and the Upper Kuskokwim re-elected Nick Alexia, Sr. The Yukon Tanana Subregion selected Frank Thompson of Evansville to fill the vacated seat formally held by PJ. I personally want to thank Pat McCarty on behalf of our region for his contributions, dedication and years of service. Pat always advocated on improving the lives of the people we serve by expecting better access, quality programs and open communication, with special emphasis for our tribal communities, recognizing the needs were great. He supported projects that assisted in improving the financial state of the organization from a deficit to a positive operation budget. Since March, I have traveled to D.C. twice, once to testify at the house appropriation committee and meet with the Alaska delegation and other legislators to request support for many of the issues facing us. The second visit I attended a SAMHSA meeting as a newly appointed National Advisor Council Member and later met with key legislative staffers to request support for subsistence language to be added to the Magnuson Stevens Act as a priority, along with commercial and recreational fisheries. Other legislation we remain active in is the Elementary Secondary Education Act (ESEA) reauthorization, urging the house to include language that authorizes tribal and tribal entity ability to obtain funding to ensure Native student success and Native language immersion programs. We will continue to advocate for tribal court funding and passage of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) regulations. This will provide the resources to and/or for our tribes to better meet the needs of our people and strengthen tribal governance. These are just a couple of the many legislative issues we are working on. In our next publication of The Council Newsletter, we will provide a complete legislative update. Additionally, TCC Management and the Executive Board recently reviewed and updated the 2015-2020 Strategic Plan and assigned the 2015 Resolutions to appropriate staff, all of which are available to review on our website (www. tananachiefs.org/resolutions). The strategic plan, along with the resolutions we received during our annual convention, will guide the organization through the coming years. Additionally, each year the Executive Board along with TCC management determine the Vital Few priorities, meaning the “must do initiatives” for the year. The guidance that we receive from our tribes ensures that we remain in alignment with their priorities. This summer, we will be celebrating the centennial of the 1915 meeting of the Tanana Chiefs with Judge James Wickersham. The celebration will take place on July 6th in Fairbanks at the Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall. Everyone is welcome to join us as we commemorate this historic meeting. (More information is available on the front of this newsletter). I look forward to seeing you there. A special note to all of our tribal members who will graduate this year; CONGRATULATIONS. Our future depends on you. Frank Thompson/ Evansville Yukon Tanana Leo Lolnitz/Koyukuk Yukon Koyukuk Peter Demoski/Nulato Elder Advisor Gerald Patsy/Nulato Youth Advisor 2 Ana Bassee’, Victor Joseph President of Tanana Chiefs Conference Seeking 2015 graduates We want to feature our 2015 graduates here in The Council Newsletter! Send your photo and information to thecouncil@tananachiefs.org We need your: • Name • Tribal Affiliation • • School you are graduating from Your plans after graduation You can also include: • Names of Parents • Names of Grandparents TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER Summer Work Experience NOTICE TO YOUTH AGE 14-21 If you are interested in summer work experience apply through your Tribal office. For Fairbanks youth, come see Employment & Training Youth Service on the 5th floor of the Chief Peter John Tribal Building for an application. You will need to apply online at www.tananachiefs.org for Fairbanks positions. Summer youth work experience is based off household income. Youth applications are being taken NOW to determine eligibility. Youth to be considered for work experience must turn in a completed application as soon as possible. https://www.tananachiefs.org/youth/ LETTER TO THE EDITOR Thank You to the TCC Employment & Training Department My name is Trisha Madros, from the Village of Nulato. I am writing in regards to the funding opportunity that Tanana Chief Conference Employment and Training had provided me. I want to Thank the department, for furthering my education and supporting me at the Zender Environmental Rural Alaska Community Environmental Job Training Program (RACEJT) in Anchorage. This was a four week training, with a twoweek Spring Break in Anchorage. Upon completion for this training, I received 10 college credits and an educational endorsement in Rural Waste Management & Oil spill response technician from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I also received additional certifications in: 40 Hr HAZWOPER, Confined Space, Spill Response, Home Fuel Tank Inspection, OSHA 10 Hr Construction Safety, Rural Alaska Landfill Operation, Freon Removal, Forklift Operation, CPR/First Aid, Soil and Water Quality Sampling, Job Readiness Skills, Solid and Hazardous Waste Management. This opportunity has prepared me for my next goal life. I can’t “Thank You” enough for your support and believing in me. Upon completion of this training, I was offered a position at the City of Nulato.Once again, Thank you. Seed Starting in Circle Miranda Carroll started seeds at a seed starting workshop in Circle on April 14th. Miranda helped organize the workshop and even cooked lunch for everyone. About 20 people attended the seed starting workshop taught by Heidi Rader, Tribes Extension Educator with UAF Cooperative Extension Service and Tanana Chiefs Conference, including students from the school. They learned which seeds should be planted indoors, which can be outdoors, appropriate soil for seed starting, and a variety of other gardening and seed starting tips. Village Job Openings Behavioral Health Aide Anaktuvuk Pass Billing Technician II Galena Carpenter Fort Yukon Community Health Aide/ Practitioner Tanacross • Rampart Nenana • Kaltag Alatna • Circle Chalkyitsik Fisheries Technician Galena Home Care Provider Huslia • Allakaket Laborer Fort Yukon Medical Coder I Koyukuk Tok Sub-Regional Primary Care Physician Tribal Family Youth Specialist Nikolai Tribal Workforce Development Specialist Tetlin • Ruby Rampart • Evansville Chalkyitsik • Alatna Takotna • Holy Cross Village Public Safety Officer Nenana • Minto Apply online at www.tananachiefs.org TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 3 Standing Together Calling for the Conservation and Restoration of King Salmon Article by Carrie Stevens • Photos by Greg Bringhurst ...Continued from Page 1 are willing to make for the future of the salmon. For the first time in years the US met their escapement goal to Canada, with an estimated 66,000 Kings making it across the border. “Escapement is not enough, however,” advised Eugene Paul, Holy Cross Chief and Interim Commission Chairman. “We are not getting a solid return on our investment, we are finding the fish making it to the spawning grounds are not producing high yields. We must seek progressive management; we must implement active restoration projects along the river. Our Tribes and First Nations are in the perfect position to do so, we are the first stewards.” The Commission members noted the mismanagement of the Yukon River King by the US, Canadian, and State of Alaska managers, with no deference to Tribal Governments resulting in a collapse of the fishery. The Commission members asserted the necessity of unified management of the fishery, with Tribal Governments and all stakeholders having a seat at the table. Unified management must be based upon indigenous knowledge systems and scientific principles. “Ten thousand years of experience trumps five years of surveys,” said Lester Erhart, Traditional Chief and fishermen 4 of Tanana. “I have fished for over 65 years. We know the fish, we know their patterns, we know when the big healthy females are going by, and when they must be let to pass. Our experience and knowledge must be included in management. It’s as simple as that.” The Commission unanimously passed a Resolution calling for unified management of Yukon River King Salmon in the 2015 season. The Federal Subsistence Board is currently preparing a determination on a Federal takeover of the fishery in the 2015, without adequate Tribal Consultation. State and Federal managers had difficulty explaining what such a takeover would look like on the ground, and Tribal Leaders are asking for clarity. The Commission called for meaningful Tribal Consultation and a unified management plan for the 2015 season, including Tribal, Federal and State managers. “There is no other way to move forward, for the health of the salmon, we must be unified in our management. Salmon do not heed the checkerboard of jurisdiction when they are making their journey from the sea to their spawning grounds, neither must we. As Tribes, we have shown we will overcome our own differences and stand united for the conservation, restoration, and fair allocation of King. It is time the Federal and State managers to stand with us,” said Ben Stevens, traditional fishermen from Stevens Village and Tanana Chiefs Hunting and Fishing Task force Director, reflecting on the progress made in the historic two-day meeting. TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER What Your Zone Won’t Tell You About Your Garden By Heidi Rader, Tribes Extension Educator with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service and the Tanana Chiefs Conference Region As the snow melts into the ground, I’m thinking about the wonderfully warm winter and what an awfully cold, rainy summer we just had and am wondering what this summer will bring. Unfortunately, I can’t predict the weather, but by learning more about past weather we might have a more educated guess at the future. By understanding your garden’s microclimate, you’ll be able to choose plants that will thrive in your particular neck of the woods. Many gardeners rely on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map (http://tinyurl. com/6rryldj) for a quick and dirty synopsis of the climactic conditions in their garden — otherwise known as “zones.” Zones are also a favorite qualifier of some nurseries and seed companies. There are two main reasons I encourage you to look beyond your zone. Zone maps are based on only one thing — the “average annual extreme minimum temperature.” They are also outdated because they are based on data from 1976 to 2005. I’m not going to tell you to set up weather This is the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for Alaska (2012), provided by the Agricultural Research Service. station in your back yard, although that would be the most accurate thing to do and there are some fairly inexpensive digital temperature monitors out there. I’m going to show you a couple of tools that will allow you to zoom in on the particular climactic conditions in your garden, all from the comfort of your armchair. First, go to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Data Online website at http://tinyurl.com/ l4gjey3. Type in your town in the location box, or navigate using the hand on the map and zoom in on your location. Select “annual summaries.” Now you should be able to see on the map all of weather stations near you. Find the station closest to your garden, then click on “full details.” Note the elevation of the station. Is it very different from the elevation of your garden? Is there another nearby station with a more comparable elevation? Now scroll down and select the year of the data you’re interested in on the drop-down menu. Now click “view data.” Maybe I’m just excited because there is a new weather station in Goldstream Valley near where I live. I can see from the 2014 annual summary there were three days in June and two days in July where the temperature dropped below 32 degrees. I compared this with the University Experiment Weather Station where the temperature did not drop below 32 degrees at all in June or July. That made me a little depressed even though I already knew that I had several midseason frosts last year. Because the Goldstream Creek Station is so new, there is not enough data to establish normals, however, This map indicates the NOAA weather stations in and around Fairbanks. If you go online at http://tinyurl.com/l4gjey3, you can click on the station closest to your garden or at a similar elevation for more information. depending on the station, the normal could be a useful benchmark. The annual summaries are just a start and you may want to explore the NOAA data further, keep your own records, or note the following characteristics of your garden: • The first and last frosts of the season (and, ugh, mid-season frosts), which in turn determines the length of your growing season • The slope aspect of your garden or farm • Hours of direct sun each day — not to be confused with the day length • Day length • Frequency of wind events. While you’re at it, decide on the best time to plant your garden in the spring by looking at the probability of the last frost in the spring and first frost in the fall in your area: http://tinyurl.com/mlm4dy3 (click on Alaska in the drop-down menu). And learn more about your soil, at http:// tinyurl.com/p3x9cq9. But don’t forget how important things like weeding, watering, and fertilizing are to your garden’s success. This project was supported by the Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA Grant # 2013-41580-20782. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author (s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Andrew Jimmie Wins the Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation’s President’s Legacy & Leadership Award Andrew Jimmie of Minto is the 2015 recipient of the Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation’s President’s Legacy & Leadership Award. This award recognizes a leader who has impacted the culture and performance of the Alaska Tribal Health System and made outstanding contributions towards ANTHC’s vision of Alaska Natives being the healthiest people in the world. “Andy’s dedication to the Alaska Tribal Healthcare System is demonstrated through his 24 years of service, the number of boards and committees he has served on, the countless hours he has spent in meetings and on airplanes and the many nights spent away from family,” said TCC President Victor Joseph. Congratulations, Andy! TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 5 12 Interior Youth Attend TCC’s Convention in Fairbanks TCC Youth Services was able to bring in 12 youth delegates to attend this year’s TCC Annual Convention. Fort Yukon youth were also in attendance and participated with TCC’s youth delegates. Youth had the opportunity to have dinner with TCC President Victor Joseph, where they had the opportunity to ask questions and receive advice in areas of public speaking skills, educational goals and Elder stories. They also had the opportunity to meet with President of Doyon, Limited Aaron Schitt and Doris Miller with Doyon Foundation. Youth also worked with TCC staff to submit three resolutions to go before the TCC Full Board of Directors. Youth were exposed to higher education through Teisha Simmons and UAF staff with a tour or Rural Student Services, Student rec. center and the library. Youth conducted interviews with Elders around the TCC Region to learn more about preserving traditional knowledge and Athabascan language. They interviewed Elders who they did not know which allowed a dialog between Elder and youth to learn a new fact amongst each other. Youth delegates in attendance were: Jolie Murray, Beaver; Devon Deaton, Beaver; Colton Madros, Kaltag; Jasmine Olson, Kaltag; Lena Ambrose, Ruby; Kaylee Druck, Venetie; Sadie Peter, Northway; Trisha Jimmie, Northway; Cameron Hildebrand, Koyukuk; Jocelyn Patsy, Nulato; Jewels Gilbert, Arctic Village; Christine Taylor, McGrath. Youth from Fort Yukon: Mariah Peter, Madison Cadzow, Ashlynn Strom, Jayleen Thomas. Chaperones were: Rachel Titus of Minto, Trisha Madros of Nulato, Erin Winters of Fairbanks and Arlene Peter of Ft. Yukon. Colton Madros Interviews Angela Demientieff of Holy Cross • Please share two examples how you practice your Native traditions and what I should do to practice our traditions. Cut fish and do beading. To eat more traditional foods. • Hunting and fishing is a big part of our subsistence lifestyle. What can I do to help preserve our subsistence lifestyle and take an active approach? Do not use 6 in fish net. Longer time to fish in the lower Yukon. • What advice can you give me so I can have a good life? Listen to stories from Elders. • Can you tell me a word in your native language and what it means? Denag - moose • What can I do as a young person to help my village? Get an education. Jewels Gilbert Interviews Anna Frank of Minto • Please share two examples how you practice your Native traditions and what I should do to practice our traditions. Here in Fairbanks I share Native food with my family and friends. I go to potlatches and Native dance. Start doing things with elders and get information for elders. Ask questions. • Hunting and fishing is a big part of our subsistence lifestyle. What can I do to help preserve our subsistence lifestyle and take an active approach? Go out hunting with my children and grandchildren. You can start living your own Native way. • What advice can you give me so I can have a good life? Stay healthy. No drugs or alcohol or tobacco. Live clean and have a healthy life. • Can you tell me a word in your native language and what it means? Ana basse – thank you so very much. • What can I do as a young person to help my village? Get involved and help with activities in your community. By doing this you’re learning your leadership skills. We will be featuring more Youth interviews with Elders in the next edition of The Council Newsletter! Alaska Youth Academy seeking Youth Between the ages of 15-18 to Attend in July Earn a First Aide/CPR Certificate, learn defensive tactics, firearm safety, survival techniques, solve crimes using CSI skills, and much more. This year’s academy is set to take place July 27th-31st, 2015 in Fairbanks. Deadline to Apply is June 26th, 2015 Applications can be found online at www.tananachiefs.org or by contacting: Katina Charles • 907-452-8251 ext.3353 • katina.charles@tananachiefs.org 6 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER Tiffany - Cessation Mothers day is May 10th. Mothers create a sense of comfort, and shape the emotional future of all her children. When Tiffany was 16, her mother—a cigarette smoker—died of lung cancer. Despite her loss, Tiffany started smoking 3 years later. Tiffany smoked for years before realizing what she might miss in her own daughter’s life. Tiffany didn’t think about all the ways smoking hurt her daily life until she quit. Then life quickly started getting better. Food tasted better. She had more energy and more confidence. She carefully planned to quit by using nicotine patches, walking, and friends’ support. And there was one big surprise. “The money I save from not smoking is absolutely great!“ Tiffany’s daughter’s, Jaelin, says she cannot imagine living without her mother. Jaelin tells her mom how proud she is of her for quitting smoking for good. Things We Don’t “THINK” About When Drinking Energy Drinks Monster, Rock Star, AMP, Red Bull… these are just a few of the different brands of energy drinks on the market today. Energy drinks typically contain sugar, caffeine, B-vitamins, and a mix of herbal supplements. Energy drinks are marketed to teens and young adults and their popularity has steadily increased. What used to be just a few brands on the market has now increased to over 200 different choices. The industry is worth more than $5 Billion annually. Energy drinks are marketed as an easy way to give you energy, wake you up, increase your athletic performance, and even make you smarter. They can be classified as food but most are considered “dietary supplements.” Dietary supplements are not regulated the same way food is and can contain higher amounts of caffeine than drinks regulated as “food.” Do energy drinks really provide the boost they say they do? Yes and no. Sugar may give the body a small energy boost and caffeine is a known stimulant which can increase alertness and wakefulness. But those energy boosts do not last very long and can leave you feeling even more tired than before you drank an energy drink. Herbal supplements are added to help increase the energy boost but they have not been proven to actually increase energy or performance and may in some cases, cause harm. Many herbal supplements are added because they contain caffeine which increases the caffeine levels in these drinks. Caffeine can stimulate the body by increasing the release of stress hormones such as epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine – both hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, and the “fight or flight” response areas in the brain. Constant stimulation of this system can cause your body to be in a stressed state. Another thing to consider is sleep. Getting adequate sleep, between 8 – 10 hours a night, is important for a developing teenage brain. Caffeine can interrupt that sleep process causing teenagers to consume more caffeine to stay awake making the problem worse. Energy drinks can be popular with teens, young adults and even children but some research shows they may affect brain development. Until about the age of 25, our brains are still growing and developing by trimming away unused pathways and reinforcing those that are used regularly. The last area of our brain to develop is the pre-frontal cortex which allows us to rationally think through decisions and use good judgment. This entire process makes our brains faster and more efficient. Stimulants such as caffeine may cause certain pathways in your brain to release neurotransmitters (moves signals from nerves to other nerves). Neurotransmitters such as dopamine make you feel good. Another neurotransmitter, serotonin can affect your appetite, sleep, memory, learning, temperature regulation, mood, and behavior. Consuming caffeine causes the release of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. If you consume caffeine frequently you are constantly stimulating your brain to release dopamine and serotonin. Constant stimulation may cause your brain to decrease the amount normally produced. The same area of your brain is also stimulated by alcohol and certain drugs. Regulation of serotonin and dopamine in the brain is believed to play a role in the development of some mental health disorders such as depression. So is having an energy drink once in a while a problem? Probably not. Most people including teenagers can handle smaller amounts of caffeine without any problems. However, consuming large amounts of caffeine can lead to a stressed body and mind. Teenagers, whose brain are still growing may develop pathways in their brain that encourage stimulation of the pleasure centers of the brain (same area as alcohol and drugs) and less development of the pre-frontal cortex that helps with rational thinking and decision making. Several studies have looked at the consumption of energy drinks in relationship to risky behaviors (alcohol use, tobacco use, illicit drug use, etc) and found individuals who used energy drinks daily or almost daily were more likely to engage in risky behaviors than those individuals who did not regularly consume energy drinks. It’s important to be aware of the potential dangers of drinking energy drinks. Energy drinks may seem harmless because they are sold in the grocery store next to many other safe products. But they can be dangerous, especially for children and teenagers. To provide yourself and children the best opportunity for good health make sure to eat a healthy diet, be actively daily and get adequate amounts of sleep. Your brain and body count on it! TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER 7