Southcentral tribes set to get $1 million to combat alcohol abuse

CHICKALOON -- Although details are still a bit murky, Chickaloon Village Traditional Council (CTVC), as well as eight other villages under Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) may receive up to $125,000 each to address alcohol-related problems among their members.

Gary Harrison, chief of CTVC, said he has not yet completed contract negotiations with Cook Inlet Tribal Council. The contracts must be completed before the funding is released.

"We're still in negotiations as to how we're going to use it," Harrison said. "Hopefully, I'll sign it off by the end of the year."

The appropriation to CITC of nearly $2 million came from a special $15-million federal appropriation that will flow through the Alaska Federation of Natives. According to information from Cook Inlet Region Inc. (CIRI), the initial distribution formula would have provided a base amount of nearly $22,500 per village, with additional funds distributed on a per-capita basis.

"You can't even run a program on that," Harrison said.

Harrison was among those who advocated a greater sum, to adequately meet the needs of the villages receiving the funds.

Information from CIRI states that CITC, after discussions with representatives from tribal council representatives and further consideration, agreed to negotiate contracts of up to $120,000 for each village.

Another $40,000, or $5,000 for each of the eight villages, will be provided for community forums on wellness issues. Harrison said he plans to take advantage of the funding while it is available, as it may not be appropriated in the future.

"We know that it's going to be [appropriated] two times," Harrison said. "We don't know after that."