Fairbanks Native Association

FNA and Tanana Chiefs Conference joint statement on recent public racism June 28, 2024 Fairbanks, Alaska —Fairbanks Native Association and Tanana Chiefs Conference denounce the public racist behavior of an older man berating two Alaska Natives in a recent unprovoked tirade outside of the Fairbanks West Fred Meyer. Both Melissa Charlie, FNA executive director, and Brian Ridley, TCC chief and chair, denounce such behavior and are requesting appropriate follow-up. The action was captured on video and posted on several social media platforms. In the video, the male is heard yelling vile and racist remarks against the elderly man and his daughter, who are from a village in the TCC region. The man then goes on to physically intimidate the father and daughter, causing the elder to push the man away. The elder and his daughter were taking groceries to the village and packing them near the entrance outside the store. The male accused them of shoplifting and told “All you Natives are alike.” The harassment of Alaska Natives who are simply shopping for groceries and other items at one of the only grocery stores in Fairbanks is inexcusable.   FNA reached out to Fred Meyer management to meet to discuss the incident and ensure proper follow-up for the safety and well-being of all Alaska Native and American Indian shoppers at Fred Meyers. However, management declined and requested that we submit our grievances to their corporate offices. Alaska Native people in the Interior, both in Fairbanks and in our rural communities, shop frequently at Fred Meyer and spend a substantial amount of money each year at the store. We want to ensure that this location is a safe space for people of all races and encourage Fred Meyer to take appropriate action to make this happen. FNA represents some 10,000 Alaska Natives and American Indians in the Fairbanks area. TCC represents20,000 Indigenous people in Interior Alaska. On behalf of those we serve, we are asking Fred Meyer: ·       To trespass the male who harassed our members from their stores ·       Commit to ensure that their security works to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future We will be monitoring this incident for resolution.

FNA granted an advisory seat on the Fairbanks school board June 6, 2024 Fairbanks, Alaska — In a unanimous vote, the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District Board of Education voted to assign FNA an advisory board seat. “This is a historic moment for Fairbanks Native Association,” said Melissa Charlie, FNA executive director. “Our leaders, past and present, have long dreamed of having a seat on the school board.” “FNA will bring a unique and culturally rich perspective that will benefit the success of all students. We take this role very seriously and come prepared to work and advocate for excellent education for all students in this district.” Education for Alaska Native students was one to the issues FNA faced when it organized in 1963. FNA has experience in addressing the difficult issues of graduation rates, achievement gaps, attendance, test scores, and the wellbeing of families and students, Charlie said. “We thank the board for this opportunity, and look forward to joining the board in the fall,” she said. 

Here is a way to show support for FNA's bid for an advisory seat on the Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board.

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FNA is seeking an advisory seat on the Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board.

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Melissa Charlie chosen to be FNA new executive director The FNA board of directors has chosen Melissa Charlie to lead the nonprofit organization. Charlie has been FNA’s deputy director for the past 11 years, overseeing multimillion dollar federal grants, such as FNA Head Start and the Johnson O’Malley program. She has extensive knowledge of the nonprofit which provides community, behavioral and justice services, as well as educational services for Interior families and children. “Melissa’s extensive knowledge of FNA, the connections and partnerships she has built within the Fairbanks community, and her love of our people and cultures positioned her to serve in this capacity.” said Jessica Black, FNA board president. Charlie will assume the executive directorship June 3. She is replacing Steve Ginnis, who retires May 31. FNA started as a grassroots organization that started in 1963 and now has 220 employees and last year had $35 million in revenues. The organization focuses on Alaska Native culture but serves everyone. Charlie is the chair of the Fairbanks North Star Borough Early Childhood Development Commission and serves on the board for the Alaska Center for Children and Adults. She is well regarded among her peers. Charlie is a tribal member of Minto, where she learned the importance of culture, Alaska Native values, and their relevance to wellbeing. 

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FNA is a great place to work. Onsite interviews this Friday, March 22.

This Friday, March 8, 2024, is the board of director elections. We have three board seats open and seven candidates. Please read their qualifying information in our latest newsletter. https://lnkd.in/gt7eWuNT