The Wrangell Cooperative Association elects new tribal council

The Wrangell Cooperative Association, the local organization dedicated to supporting Alaska Natives, held an election for new tribal council members last Monday, March 25. The WCA oversees cultural events, supports subsistence lifestyles, assists with transportation, and does much more for Wrangell's native community. Board members are elected by tribal members of the WCA.

Five people have been chosen for the council this year, according to results released on the WCA's Facebook page: Christie Jamieson, Michelle Jenkins, Cori Robinson, Richard Oliver, and Lu

Knapp.

Jamieson has a long line of descent within the Tlingit people. Her Tlingit name is Dascawah, she said, and she is a direct descendant of Charles Jones, also known as Chief Shakes VII. In 2014, Jamieson held a brief stint as president of the WCA council, from March to June. She said she stepped away from the position as she felt like she had jumped in without doing the "proper homework," she was already busy with other things in her life at the time, and that things on the council were moving too fast for her. Now, though, she said she is prepared and excited to work alongside everyone in the WCA. Her main priorities, she said, revolve around preserving Wrangell's native culture and lifestyle

"You're trying to protect, you're trying to preserve, you're trying to prevent, you're trying to help the needy," Jamieson said. "You really have to try to be a guardian of the land, and also the water."

Jenkins is a new addition to the council, having never run for the position before.

This will be her first two-year term with the WCA. Jenkins said she was drawn to the position as the council plays an important role in Tlingit life in the area. As a Tlingit, she said she wanted to be a part of the council as it had an effect on her culture. The environment is a high priority for her, she said. Jenkins said she was impressed with what the IGAP department of the WCA was doing, she wants to assist them in any way she can.

Outreach to students, to teach them on environmental issues, is another priority for her.

"I try to be as involved as possible in the community, in several different ways," Jenkins said. "I'm excited to be on the council."

Oliver won a position on the council for a two-year seat. This will be his fourth term on the council, he said. Among his priorities for the next two years include several environmental projects such as cleaning up Zarembo Island, cleaning streams, and having regular water and air quality checks. He also said that the WCA is working on 20 homes for elderly and low-income tribal members thanks to a grant, and that they are

also trying to partner with the city and the Forest Service

for future road maintenance.

"We're doing some good work in town," Oliver said. "It's just good to volunteer."

Knapp declined to comment for this story, and Robinson could not be reached for comment as of 5 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.

"We're really excited to welcome new and returning members this year," said Tribal Administrator Esther Ashton.

 

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