Tanana Chiefs Conference

The Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the health and social service needs of Alaska Native communities in Interior Alaska. Established to promote tribal self-determination and regional unity, TCC serves over 10,000 Alaska Natives across 42 member communities.

Operating within a vast region of approximately 235,000 square miles—about 37% of Alaska's total area—TCC encompasses 39 villages. These communities are organized into six subregions:

Community Subregions

• Lower Yukon Subregion: Anvik, Grayling, Holy Cross, Shageluk
• Upper Kuskokwim Subregion: McGrath, Nikolai, Takotna
• Upper Tanana Subregion: Dot Lake, Eagle, Fairbanks, Healy Lake, Northway, Tanacross, Tetlin, Tok
• Yukon Flats Subregion: Arctic Village, Beaver, Canyon Village, Chalkyitsik, Circle, Fort Yukon, Venetie
• Yukon-Koyukuk Subregion: Galena, Huslia, Kaltag, Koyukuk, Nulato, Ruby
• Yukon-Tanana Subregion: Alatna, Allakaket, Evansville (Bettles Field), Hughes, Kaktovik, Manley Hot Springs, Minto, Nenana, Rampart, Stevens Village, Tanana

Mission and Services

TCC's mission is to meet the health and social service needs of its members by balancing traditional Athabascan and Alaska Native values with modern demands. The organization offers a wide range of services, including:

• Healthcare Services: Through the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center in Fairbanks, TCC provides comprehensive medical care, mental health services, and substance abuse programs.
• Public Safety: TCC operates the Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) program, enhancing community safety and law enforcement in rural areas.
• Education and Employment: Supports educational initiatives and job training programs to empower community members and promote economic development.
• Cultural Preservation: Committed to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Alaska Native communities through various programs and events.

Self-Governance Agreement

In October 2024, TCC signed a groundbreaking self-governance funding agreement with four federal bureaus under the U.S. Department of the Interior. These include the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Geological Survey.

This agreement enables TCC to manage projects on federal lands. The focus is on subsistence practices and integrating indigenous knowledge into federal planning and regulations.

Annual Convention

TCC's Annual Convention and Full Board of Directors Meeting is a significant event where tribal leaders, delegates, and members gather to discuss important issues, hear reports from TCC leadership, hold elections, and pass resolutions to guide the organization for the following year.

The 2025 convention, themed "Guided by Culture, Focused on Tomorrow," was held from March 10th to 13th at the 8 Star Event Center in Fairbanks.

Location

• Fairbanks, AK, USA

Through its comprehensive services and initiatives, the Tanana Chiefs Conference plays a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being and self-determination of Alaska Native communities in Interior Alaska.