Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska

The Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (CCTHITA) is a federally recognized regional tribe based in Juneau, Alaska. It has been operating since 1935 and is one of only two regional tribes in Alaska, compacting with 20 tribal communities across Southeast Alaska.

Governance and Structure

CCTHITA is governed by a president and a six-person executive council. The council operates over 50 programs employing more than 200 staff members, with an annual operating budget of approximately $24 million[1]. CCTHITA comprises elected delegates from 18 Southeast Alaska communities, as well as representatives from Anchorage, San Francisco, and Seattle, reflecting its expansive reach beyond Alaska[3].

Services and Programs

The Central Council offers a wide range of services aimed at promoting family stability, education, and cultural preservation among its tribal citizens. These include:

• Public Safety: The council supports village public safety officers and provides emergency services.
• Traditional Food Security: Emphasis on maintaining traditional subsistence practices.
• Family and Youth Services: Programs like LEARN (Little Eagles and Ravens Nest) and the Generations Southeast Community Learning Center support family well-being and youth development.
• Elderly Services: Includes emergency assistance and caregiver support.
• Tribal Court and Legal Assistance: Offers family court services and legal advocacy.
• Environmental and Cultural Preservation: Focuses on co-stewardship initiatives and cultural resource management[5].

Geographic and Historical Context

The Tlingit and Haida tribes are Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast, traditionally inhabiting the Southeast Alaska region, which includes the vast Alexander Archipelago and parts of the Alaska mainland[2][4]. CCTHITA's ancestral lands span over 43,000 square miles in Southeast Alaska, accessible primarily by boat or plane[4].

Climate Change Initiatives

Recognizing the impact of climate change on subsistence living and cultural practices, CCTHITA has been proactive in seeking climate data and planning. The council hosts annual environmental conferences and has developed a climate change action plan, providing a template for other tribes in Southeast Alaska to address similar challenges[4].

Non-Profit Status

CCTHITA is a non-profit organization, operating as a sovereign entity with a government-to-government relationship with the United States. However, specific chapters outside Alaska may have their own non-profit status, such as the Tlingit & Haida Washington Chapter, which is a 501(c)(3) organization[3].

Enrollment and Demographics

CCTHITA represents over 38,000 Tlingit and Haida citizens worldwide, with about 24,000 enrolled citizens[1]. There are also significant populations outside Alaska, including approximately 7,000 tribal citizens in the Seattle area, though they are ineligible for most CCTHITA services[3].