TCC, UAF co-host 38th annual Alaska Tribal Court Conference

Tanana Chiefs Conference and the University of Alaska Fairbanks are partnering to host the 38th Annual Alaska Tribal Court Conference from Aug. 2-5, 2022, at the Westmark Hotel banquet room in Fairbanks.

The theme for the conference this year, “Traditional Values and Strong Tribes: Leading our Justice Systems,” emphasizes immersion in traditional values and practices to respond to the current needs and struggles facing tribal communities and families. 

 “Tribal courts are an essential tool in asserting a tribes’ tribal sovereignty, and this week’s conference will promote meaningful conversations surrounding issues important to our tribes, including public safety, child protection and the protection of our tribal members,” said Brian Ridley, TCC president and chief. “I look forward to the outcomes of this week’s conference and how TCC can continue to support this important work throughout our region.” 

Julie Biddle, director of the UAF Interior Alaska Campus, echoed UAF’s alignment with TCC.

“The mission of the tribal government program at UAF IAC is to strengthen tribal sovereignty and leadership through courses available at our campus. We hope all tribal delegates have a productive week of learning,” she said.

“The UAF Department of Tribal Governance is proud to partner with Tanana Chiefs Conference in support of Alaska tribes at this critical time,” said Kevin Illingworth, professor of tribal governance at UAF. “The Tribal Court Conference provides an opportunity for tribal governments and justice systems to learn from each other and help hold each other up in exercising sovereignty and keeping our communities safe and healthy.” 

This year’s Tribal Court Conference will see representation from 50 tribal nations from Alaska and the rest of the U.S. with just under 200 participants. The agenda for the conference can be found here. Remote access to the conference’s presentations and roundtables requires registration, and can be accessed via this live link which is now closed for registration.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Taryn Hughes, 907-452-8251, ext. 3570, taryn.hughes@tananachiefs.com

023-22