Things are on the upswing for Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, according to President Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson’s State of the Tribe address.<\/p>\n
During a speech that stretched to well over an hour the first morning of Tlingit & Haida’s 84th annual Tribal Assembly, Peterson shared updates on tribal activities and finances that he largely colored as positive.<\/p>\n
[Dunleavy remarks draw criticism from Tlingit & Haida president<\/a>]<\/ins><\/p>\n “I’m not trying to put a rosy picture on things,” Peterson said. “I’m very candid. I believe in accountability and transparency, and I never try to dodge those arrows. I am very excited this year. This year especially, it was great to put together this report with my staff and be reminded of all the good things that are happening.”<\/p>\n Peterson said previous executive council’s and presidents laid the foundation that led to financial and program success, and he thanked the hard work of Tlingit & Haida staff.<\/p>\n Among the successes Peterson touted were the Tribal Child Support Unit collecting $1 million in child support, more services for tribal citizens, the impending opening of Tlingit-language child care center Haa Yóo X‘atángi <\/a>Kúdi<\/a>,outreach efforts that include building rapport with international indigenous communities, progress toward a cultural immersion <\/a>park<\/a> and strong and varied revenue streams.<\/p>\n “The success is starting to show, and I’m really very proud of it,” Peterson said.<\/p>\n He particularly highlighted local businesses such as Smokehouse Catering, Sacred Grounds <\/a>and Sacred Shine Auto Detailing<\/a> and Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall’s use as an event venue.<\/p>\n “It’s working, and we’re putting people to work,” Peterson said. “Not just people, our people.”<\/p>\n He said the day is coming soon there will be a Sacred Grounds Coffee in in Anchorage, Seattle or potentially a village.<\/p>\n