Second Vice President Will Micklin and Fourth Vice President Jacqueline Pata attended a listening session hosted by the Western Caucus Foundation on December 14th to provide an opportunity for tribal leaders to identify issues important to Alaska Natives and Native Americans for the Trump Administration. Representative Markwayne Mullin, Chair of the Trump Native American Coalition, along with other coalition and transition team members attended the listening session. Representative Mullin facilitated the meeting and is charged with providing the transition team with two to three specific initiatives that can be accomplished within the first 100 days of the Trump Administration. Tribal leaders were given an opportunity to provide key recommendations which were summarized into five areas: infrastructure, education, sovereignty, over regulation, and economic development. Alaska tribes are encouraged to submit their recommendations to the Trump Native American Coalition at [email protected].  

To read the report on key recommendations identified by tribal leaders during the listening session, click here.

In a letter dated December 1st, Central Council called on President Barack Obama to take immediate action to stop the violence and civil rights violations being committed by agents of Dakota Access, LLC and law enforcement agencies against peaceful Water Protectors at the Oceti Sakowin Camp.

“It’s time for the United States to end its history of abuse and human rights violations against this land’s Indigenous peoples,” said President Richard Peterson. “I call on President Obama to take immediate action to end this escalating violence before someone loses their life.” 

Central Council also requested President Obama federalize the North Dakota National Guard to protect the Water Protectors, order the Department of Justice to investigate and, if warranted, prosecute the private security personnel and all law enforcement officers who are violating laws and committing acts of violence against the peaceful Water Protectors, and rescind the Army Corps of Engineers’ order to remove the Water Protectors to a "free speech zone".

To read the full press release, click here.

A team of Central Council employees recently participated in a two-day peer to peer exchange with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (Salt River) Social Services department. The peer to peer exchange was sponsored by Casey Family Programs under a five year agreement/partnership with Central Council.

The Salt River tribe was selected for the peer to peer visit for their comprehensive child welfare program. The 80-person Salt River Social Services department handles all aspects of child welfare (i.e. investigates reports of harm on tribal children, provides intensive in-home services to children and families, place children into foster care, and licenses and manages tribal foster homes). In addition to social services, Salt River provides a multitude of services to their community funded through tribal revenue.

As the Tribal Family and Youth Services department continues to build their Child Welfare program and partner with the Tribal Court on transferring cases from the State of Alaska, the peer exchange provided an important opportunity to learn how other tribes are providing an all-inclusive program to provide an array of services to their tribal citizens.

S erving children and families and the need for collaboration between programs was the important message received and the common thread of all presentations provided during the visit. The Salt River Social Services department has developed close relationships between the local police and fire department, behavioral health staff, schools, tribal court, and many others in order to ensure the safety of all their tribal children.

Dates:   Tuesdays (January 3 - March 21, 2017)

The Women’s Support Group is sponsored by Central Council’s Tribal Family and Youth Services department. The 12-week program uses a culturally-based approach to help women learn how to be accountable for their anger, deal with stress, communicate their needs, and listen to the needs of others. The support group integrates Western therapies with traditional Native American spiritual healing practices and traditional tribal teachings and values.

For more information, please contact Margaret Katzeek at 800.344.1432, 907.463.7336, or [email protected].

Dates: Wednesdays (January 4 - March 8, 2017)

Date: January 14, 2017 Mark your calendars! Central Council will be holding a Client Service Informational Fair at the Juneau Tlingit & Haida Community Council building on January 14th. The fair is an opportunity for tribal citizens to learn about Central Council’s programs and services, eligibility requirements, ask questions, and receive a new Tribal ID card.

For more information on the fair, please contact the Program Compliance department at 1.800.344.1432, 907.463.7143, or [email protected]. 

The Tribal Family & Youth Services department is pleased to host the 2017 Annual Caregivers Workshop on January 26, 2017. Don’t miss out - this well attended event will offer valuable resources for elders, family members, and caregivers (i.e. spouse, sons, daughters, grandchildren, or friend).

Agenda Topics:
Health Education • Falls Prevention • Alzheimer’s Resources