Big future plans part of positive State of the Tribe address

Big future plans part of positive State of the Tribe address

Speech includes updates on programs, economic development and more

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.

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.

[Dunleavy remarks draw criticism from Tlingit & Haida president]

“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.”

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.

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 Kúdi,outreach efforts that include building rapport with international indigenous communities, progress toward a cultural immersion park and strong and varied revenue streams.

“The success is starting to show, and I’m really very proud of it,” Peterson said.

He particularly highlighted local businesses such as Smokehouse Catering, Sacred Grounds and Sacred Shine Auto Detailing and Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall’s use as an event venue.

“It’s working, and we’re putting people to work,” Peterson said. “Not just people, our people.”

He said the day is coming soon there will be a Sacred Grounds Coffee in in Anchorage, Seattle or potentially a village.

[Tribal Assembly meets in Juneau]

Peterson also identified some pending developments he expects to have a big impact.

He said Tlingit & Haida have executed a letter of intent with Channel Construction and Shorty Tonsgard for the acquisition of 86 acres of land on Douglas Island.

“One of the things you say is, ‘What’s a tribe without land?’ Well, here you go,” Peterson said.

Also, Peterson said he was proud to announce Tlingit & Haida had entered into purchase agreement January 2019 with Triplette Construction with the intent of turning it into a construction academy.

“”It’s going to be a big deal,” Peterson said. “It’s amazing to create jobs and see our people find that self-worth and value in themselves and they do well making coffee and working in catering, but we want to take it to the next level, and we want to build real, life-long careers.”

He said the emphasis on economic development is in service of sovereignty and increasing the services available to tribal citizens.

“I never want to use the term again, ‘You don’t live within the service area,’” Peterson said. “The only way we’re going to abolish that term in this tribe is through economic sovereignty.”


• Contact arts and culture reporter Ben Hohenstatt at (907)523-2243 or bhohenstatt@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BenHohenstatt.


More in News

Suicide Basin as of 10:01 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025, taken by a U.S. Geological Survey camera at the basin entrance facing northeast, into the basin. (Screenshot from National Weather Service Juneau page)
Glacial lake outburst swells Salmon River near Hyder

The isolation of Salmon River limits the impact of flooding

Kahyl Dybdahl, left, and Bronze Chevis eat an egg sandwich breakfast before school at Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
School board allocates extra state funds

More state funds available, but funding issues and federal uncertainty abound

Max Webster stands with Lemon Creek Correctional Center staff in front of new control tower on Tuesday, July 9, 2025. (Natalie Buttner / Juneau Empire)
A towering accomplishment for new Eagle Scout

Max Webster honored at Firearms Training Center Control Tower ribbon-cutting ceremony

Andy Engstrom (left) uses bitcoin to buy lemonade and cookies from business owner Denali Schijvens (right) on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Alaska’s 1st Bitcoin conference held in Juneau

State leaders discuss integrating Bitcoin in Alaska energy, investment and universities

Rep. Nick Begich III, R-Alaska, delivers his keynote address to approximately 40 people, most of whom are from out of state, at the end of the Bitcoin Alaska conference on Sunday. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Begich and Bitcoin fly to Juneau after passage of ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

Protesters seek town hall with representative; he delivers keynote address at ticketed conference

Brad Hogarth, one of four finalists to be the new music director of the Juneau Symphony, guides the ensemble through a rehearsal at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
A pink peony blooms in Chris Urata’s garden on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Ellie Ruel / Juneau Empire)
Master Gardeners Tour showcases excellence in landscaping

Annual fundraising event features gardens on 11 properties

Seven- and 8-year-olds compete in the watermelon-eating contest at Savviko Park on Thursday, July 3, 2025. (Ellie Ruel / Juneau Empire)
Douglas picnic marks the beginning of 4th of July celebrations

Community members enjoy barbecue, watermelon eating contest

Most Read