Starting Wednesday, Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska Central Council delegates from Alaska, Washington and California will come together to discuss issues and pass resolutions at the 83rd annual Tribal Assembly.
The theme for this year’s three-day event is “Indigenous Yesterday, Today &Tomorrow.”
Opening ceremonies will begin with a color guard and a dance group followed by the grand entrance of the delegates at 8 a.m. at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. The Tribal Host, Fred Hamilton Sr., of Craig, and Hostess Bertha Karras, of Sitka, will be introduced after the call to order at 8:30 a.m. Gov. Bill Walker will address the Assembly with a State of Alaska address at 9 a.m. and Tribal President Richard J. Peterson will give a State of Tribe address at 10:45 p.m. Wednesday will also include declarations and nominations from candidates for President, Executive Council, Trial Court Judge, Emerging Leader and Delegate Citizen of the Year. A memorial will be held at 5:30 p.m.
Elections will be held Thursday at 9:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. before the President’s Awards Banquet at 6 p.m. The following will receive the President’s Everyday Hero Awards during the banquet: Culture Bearer: DonnaRae James, of San Francisco; Emerging Leader: Eva Rowan, of Klawock; Hold Each Other Up: Barbara Franks, of Anchorage; Inspiring Educator: Ronnie Fairbanks, of Craig; Language Warrior: Ben Young, of Ketchikan; Tribal Ally: Nancy Barnes, of Juneau; Youth Mentor: Barbara Dude, of Juneau. Dr. Gilbert Truitt, of Sitka, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Friday, the final day of the Tribal Assembly, will include constitutional amendments, cultural heritage and educations and consideration of resolutions.
For a closer look at the Tribal Assembly, the complete agenda is available at www.ccthita.org or watch the live webcast at www.livestream.com starting Wednesday.
