Indigenous Governance Database
Tanana Village Council
How Athabascan leaders crafted the Tanana Chiefs Conference
It was a concern for their people and for future generations that united Interior tribal leaders 100 years ago this week to hold the first official meeting between Interior Alaska Natives and the U.S. government. The 14 Athabascan men, 10 of whom were chiefs, made the trek from their villages to…
Tanana Chiefs celebrates its first 100 years
It was just seven blocks away from the Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall that 100 years ago the Tanana Chiefs held their historic meeting with Judge James Wickersham, Alaska’s Congressional delegate, and set the stage for the formation of the Tanana Chiefs Conference. The chiefs united on issues like…
In Alaska village, banishment helps keep peace
Without a jail or even armed law enforcement, the isolated Alaska village where two state troopers were shot and killed is turning to a traditional form of justice: banishment. The Tanana Village Council, the Athabascan Indian tribal authority in the village of 250, is taking steps to expel two men…
Trimble Gilbert - Tanana Chiefs Conference's 2015 Keynote Speaker
On March 17th, 2015, Second Traditional Chief Trimble Gilbert of Arctic Village spoke as the keynote at Tanana Chiefs Conference's Annual Convention. The theme for this convention was 'Stronger Together for the Next 100 Years'. Trimble Gilbert is a Gwich’in Athabascan Elder and speaker of Dinjii…