NEWS RELEASE
April 11, 2006 

CCTHITA Staff and Sitka Tribe of Alaska meet to discuss Tribal Child Support Program and expansion of services so Tlingit and Haida Sitka Tribal members are empowered to succeed.

Central Council’s Employment and Training staff, Sitka Tribes of Alaska President, council members, and staff met March 23, 2006 in Sitka, Alaska to discuss the Tribal Child Support program slated to begin services between October 1, 2006 and January 1, 2007.  The start-up grant activities, as well as plans for a Comprehensive Tribal Child Support Program, were presented to participants at the meeting. 

Both Tribes agreed that it is time to enhance the overall Child Support Services to the Tlingit and Haida people.  There has been a national awakening and understanding that Tribes are providing more quality Child Support services to their people and increasing collections to custodial parents.  The reasons for this success are many: We (Tribes) connect and care for our Tribal members. Our Tribes offer holistic services. They are not just numbers and statistics.

Sharon Olsen, Director of Employment & Training, stated, “It’s an exciting time for the Tlingit and Haida Tribal Members who reside in Sitka. The collaboration between the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Tribal Child Support Unit (TCSU), and Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation’s (TVR) FastforWord Program brings efficiency in costs and enhanced services to one convenient location for Sitka Tribe members/citizens.  Continued communication and connecting with/utilizing the expertise of the local Sitka Tribe staff and leadership will definitely support both of our efforts in meeting the needs of Sitka Tribe members/citizens.”

A special thank you to Sitka Tribe of Alaska for their hospitality and strong desire to strengthen a needed collaboration between our Tribal Governments. 

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For More Information Contact:
CCTHITA Employment & Training Division
Tel. 907/463-7140