(SitNews) - The Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) is one step closer to ensuring tribal citizens have the resources and support they need in their community. Over the past several months, Tlingit & Haida has been recruiting tribal citizens to serve as Community Navigators which are new positions created within the Tribe. These positions serve as a liaison between Tlingit & Haida and tribal citizens in 20 communities, including Anchorage, Alaska, Seattle, Washington and San Francisco, California.

“The creation of the Community Navigators program came from conversations and really listening to the needs of our communities,” shared President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. “This program is based on a community liaison position that the Tribe has now revitalized. We’ve taken that foundation and have expanded the position so that each of our Community Navigators knows not only the Tribe’s programs and services, but also other local resources. They will not just guide tribal citizens to the resources, they will provide application support too.”

Meet Tlingit & Haida's Community Navigators

Recently the Community Navigators gathered in Juneau, Alaska to participate in an intensive four-day training conference to learn about Tlingit & Haida’s programs and services, eligibility requirements and application processes. They received specialized training on confidentiality, privacy and effective communication to facilitate care and meet our people where they are at, as well as heard presentations from every program within the Tribe.

The training conference also provided an opportunity for the Navigators to connect with each other, share resources and build relationships for future collaboration. It sparked conversations on the unique opportunity for Community Navigators to use relationships with entities outside of Tlingit & Haida and brought new ideas and goals to the forefront as Tlingit & Haida continues to expand and provide new and existing services to tribal citizens.

“I love being at the service of my people, being there for whenever they need anything whether it’s applying for COVID relief, housing, or enrollment questions,” shared Ketchikan Community Navigator Ginger McCormick.

The Community Navigators will serve in a dual role to help the Tribe’s Program Compliance department with the coordination of elections and enrollment application processes. The Community Navigators will expedite enrollment services by certifying birth certificates so originals will no longer have to be sent by mail, notarizing documents, and taking photos to create Tribal Identification cards. 

Community Navigators will also help to connect tribal citizens with employment opportunities, training and other classes offered through the Tribe’s Generations Southeast, and housing assistance through programs offered by Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority and other organizations.

Carol Martinez was Tlingit & Haida’s first Community Navigator hired and will serve her hometown of Petersburg, Alaska where she’s been helping people in her community for years who have been experiencing homelessness.

“Having a Community Navigator on the ground in each community allows tribal citizens the access and the one-on-one assistance to be able to fill out applications or even find the resources for programs not available through Tlingit & Haida,” shared Martinez.

Tlingit & Haida is still recruiting to fill Community Navigator positions in nine communities. Self Governance Manager Gail Dabaluz will oversee the Community Navigators program and is hopeful to have all positions filled soon.

“The Community Navigators program will operate with a strong foundation rooted in our tribal values,” shared Dabaluz. “These positions will play a critical role in providing quality service, advocating for tribal citizens in an empowering and effective way, and engaging in community outreach. Our navigators are passionate about their role and ready to serve.”

Any tribal citizen needing assistance with Tlingit & Haida’s services or locating local resources can contact the Community Navigators program by calling 1.800.344.1432 ext. 7336 or emailing communitynavigators@ccthita-nsn.gov . 

Edited By: Mary Kauffman, SitNews



Source of News:

Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida)
ccthita-nsn.gov

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