Tradition and travel: a river safety program - project purpose: the purpose of the tanana chiefs conference (TCC) tradition and travel: a river safety program is to increase safe water and boating…

The Department of Health and Human Services Indian Health Service awarded a $150,000 cooperative agreement to Dena Nena Henash (doing business as Tanana Chiefs Conference) on January 1, 2026, under the Injury Prevention Program for American Indians and Alaskan Natives (CFDA 93.284) to deliver water safety and drowning prevention services across interior Alaska.

The program, titled Tradition and Travel: A River Safety Program, operates in a 235,000 square-mile region of interior Alaska encompassing 41 predominantly Alaska Native villages, most of which are remote and off the road system. The award funds activities to increase safe water and boating practices and reduce drowning deaths in the Tanana Chiefs Conference region. Deliverables include increasing access to personal flotation devices and other safety equipment; fostering partnerships with prevention programs, tribes, and local, state, and federal agencies; launching a media messaging campaign; and conducting trainings and presentations on seasonal water safety in schools and communities. Expected short-term outcomes include increased access to personal flotation devices and heightened knowledge of their importance. Medium-term outcomes target increased usage of safety equipment and community discussion about water safety practices. Long-term outcomes aim to reduce drowning and near-drowning incidents in the region.

The period of performance runs from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2030. Work is performed in Alaska.

Tradition and travel: a river safety program - project purpose: the purpose of the tanana chiefs conference (TCC) tradition and travel: a river safety program is to increase safe water and boating practices and thereby reduce the number of deaths by drowning in the TCC region, a 235,000 square mile region of interior alaska. The project area includes 41 predominantly alaska native villages, most of which are extremely small and located off the road system. Expected outcomes: tradition and travel: a river safety program will work towards reducing drowning and increasing safe water and boating practices through increasing access to personal flotation devices and other safety equipment and resources; fostering partnerships with other prevention and wellness programs, tribes, and local, state and federal agencies; a media messaging campaign; and trainings and presentations focused on seasonal water safety in schools and communities. Expected short-term outcomes are 1) increased access to personal flotation devices (pfds) and other safety gear and resources for TCC communities; and 2) increased knowledge about the importance of using pfds and other safety equipment while on or near the water and ICE. Expected medium-term outcomes are 1) increased usage of pfds and other safety equipment while on or near the water and ICE; and 2) increased discussion within communities about the importance of using pfds and other safety gear. Expected long-term outcomes are 1) fewer drownings in the TCC region, and 2) fewer incidents of near-drowning in the TCC region. Component applying for: part 1