Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) leadership had the opportunity to host a meeting with Secretary Deb Halaand. Chief/Chairman Brian Ridley met with Secretary Halaand along with Vice-President Sharon Hildebrand, Secretary/Treasurer Charlie Wright, Chief Rhonda Pitka of Beaver, Chief Karma Ulvi of Eagle, Chief Nancy James of Gwichyaa Zhee (Fort Yukon) and Julie Roberts-Hyslop of Tanana.
The Chiefs focused on the Yukon River salmon crisis and offered solutions for Tribes and the government to work together for the salmon and their people. Federal subsistence management was another priority for the Chiefs and upholding the trust responsibility to provide for traditional ways of life.
Chief Ulvi relayed a vision of growing up along the Yukon River when the fish were plentiful and her people were well. She concluded her story by telling Secretary Haaland, “We haven’t been able to experience that for years.”
“TCC is honored that Secretary Haaland took the time to meet and listen to the concerns of our Tribal leaders,” says Chief/Chairman Brian Ridley, “Our tribes have high hopes for the remainder of the Secretary’s time in this position and look forward to continued relationships with Department of the Interior.”
