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(Photo: Tanana Chiefs Conference)
Members of the Native community in Fairbanks, Alaska held a vigil Friday in memory of Sophie Sergie outside the courtroom where a jury handed down guilty verdicts to the person who murdered the Alaska Native woman in 1993 on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. People gathered in front of a court house holding candles and signs with Sophie’s name. Tanana Chiefs Conference and the Fairbanks Native Association organized the vigil and livestreamed it. According to the Fairbanks Native Association, there are between 35 to 40 unsolved homicide cases in the Fairbanks area with some dating back to the 1970s. The organizations recently started a justice initiative to draw awareness to cases, support families, and work with law enforcement. The vigil ended with songs to honor Sergie.
National Congress of American Indians President Fawn Sharp will deliver the 2022 State of Indian Nations address Monday to tribal leaders, members of Congress, and government officials. The address promises to outline priorities for the year and future visions for tribal nations across the country. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS) will deliver the congressional response and, for the first time, the Native youth commission will give remarks as part of N.C.A.I.’s Executive Council Winter Session. Tribal leaders from across the country are taking part in the meeting to hear from members of Congress and the Biden administration. Two interactive fireside chats are included this year to provide a time for questions and comments from tribal leaders.
Tribes manage millions of acres of wildlife habitat, but are faced with funding challenges. A bill in Congress would provide a boost in carrying out projects, as Mike Moen reports.
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