Our nine (9) member Traditional Council / Tribal Government, currently operates nine (9) departments: Accounting/Administration, Education, Environmental Stewardship, Facilities, Health & Social Services, Information & Technology, Justice, Language & Culture, and Transportation, to serve the needs of Tribal citizens and another estimated 2,373 Alaska Natives and Native American Peoples living in our service area, as well as the non-native community members living in Glacier View, Chickaloon, Sutton, Palmer, and Butte.
Gary Harrison, Traditional Chief and Chairman
Chief Gary Harrison was elected to the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council (CVTC) in 1984 and named Traditional Chief of Chickaloon Native Village (CNV) in 1994. Chief Gary is the longest standing member of the Council. Over the past 25 years, Chief Gary has served courageously in various leadership roles in support of the sovereign rights of all Indigenous Peoples. This includes helping craft the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at the United Nations and another declaration for the Organization of American States. Under Chief Gary’s guidance, CVTC as a sovereign nation has thrived inspiring indigenous communities around the world.
Most notably, Chief Gary helped found the Sovereign Network, United Tribes of Alaska, International Environmental Network, and is one of the original founders of the Arctic Athabascan Council. Arctic Athabascan Council became one of the six permanent participants of the Artic Council. The permanent participants are the indigenous peoples of the Arctic Council. Chief Gary was elected as a two-time Chair of Indigenous Peoples Secretariat at the Arctic Council. Chief Gary currently serves as a Board Member for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Southcentral Foundation’s Benteh/Nuutah Joint Operating Board, Chickaloon Moose Creek Native Association, Inc. and on several advisory committees. Past service includes serving as a Board Member for Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc., and as an advisor of the Justice Programs Council on Native American Affairs for The United States Department of Justice Tribal Justice Advisory Group.
As CVTC’s Traditional Chief and Chairman, Chief Gary continues to bring a passion and enthusiasm for promoting quality health services and advocating for community and economic development projects for all Alaska Native peoples benefitting the communities of Chickaloon, Sutton, and beyond.
Philip Ling, Vice-Chair
Biography coming soon!
Cheryl Sherman / Secretary
Biography coming soon!
Doug Wade, Treasurer / Elder
Doug was seated on the Traditional Council in 2002 and was the Council Chairman 2004 – 2012. Doug is also a member of the Finance Committee. Doug leads with confidence, charisma, and a fantastic sense of humor. Doug spent much of his life working as an electrician on large and small projects and as a heavy equipment operator, experience that frequently sends the staff his way, when they are in need of advice on a construction/building project. Doug cares deeply for all the staff, Tribal and non-Tribal, and makes the time in his busy schedule to check in with all of them about their work on a regular basis. Doug has also been instrumental in helping to streamline council meetings so more work is accomplished in less time.
Emily Ling / Member
Biography coming soon!