News Release
October 11, 2006 

The 94th Annual ANB/ANS Grand Camp Convention
Shows Appreciation to T&H President

Tlingit Haida Central Council President Edward K. Thomas received a standing ovation at the conclusion of the Question & Answer period following his report to the 94th Annual Alaska Native Brotherhood and Sisterhood Grand Camp Convention in Hoonah on Friday, October 6th. President Thomas began by thanking his administrative assistant Myrna Brown for her personal efforts in raising nearly $1,600 to help Hoonah ANB/ANS in hosting the Grand Camp Convention this year.

President Thomas reported on tribal operations, provided reference material, and spoke on national issues. He announced that the 2007 National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Mid-Year Convention will be held in Anchorage next June. This convention will not only bring many tribal representatives and public officials to Alaska, it will also draw much needed positive attention to Alaska Native issues. Shauna Hegna, RurAL CAP Deputy Director, is the chairwoman of the Alaska planning committee for this convention.

President Thomas concluded his report by discussing the Cruise Ship taxation and monitoring issue: Ballot Measure #2 that was passed by voters this summer. Tlingit Haida Central Council (THCC) became involved five or six years ago, immediately after ANB/ANS Grand Camp and Tlingit Haida Central Council both passed resolutions expressing concern about cruise ship dumping in “donut holes” in Southeastern Alaska. THCC met with federal and state officials as well as cruise ship personnel to develop monitoring strategies and to offer laws and regulations to better monitor cruise ship dumping. These efforts led to a bill signed into law this summer by the Governor of Alaska.

Tlingit Haida Central Council Executive Council, at the recommendation of the President, changed its position to oppose Ballot Measure #2 this summer. THCC felt that the comprehensive report and plan put forth by the State Department of Environmental Conservation 1) addressed the issues that caused THCC to become involved and 2) led to concern that the taxation provision could lead to reduced investments by the cruise industry in our Native communities. The Executive Council visited the Huna Totem Corporation tourism destination site in Hoonah before making its final decision. The delegates appreciated the candid discussions offered by our Tribal President.

Tlingit Haida Central Council congratulates the newly elected ANB/ANS Grand Officers. Our Tribe looks forward to working with them on the issues of our people.

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Media Contact:
Jodi Wolf,CCTHITA Publications
9097 Glacier Highway
Juneau, AK 99801
Ph: (907) 463-7123
E-mail: jwolf@ccthita.org