Cook Inlet Tribal Council's Annual Summer Cultural Enrichment Camp at Ninilchik

Cook Inlet Tribal Council is accepting applications for the summer 2005 season of the Cultural Enrichment Camp for youth ages 14 to 18. There will be five 10-day sessions starting June 13 and ending August 17. The camp is located near Ninilchik, Alaska. The camp participants engage in a variety of activities, such as work ethics and life skills classes, service learning, and traditional Alaska Native cultural activities. There is no charge to the participants. Stipends are paid for satisfactory performance and participants can earn half elective school credit and receive first aid and CPR certification. Applications can be obtained on-line at www.citci.com or by calling Courtney Sullivan at (907) 297-1772 in Anchorage or toll-free at 1(866) 297-1724.

Cook Inlet Tribal Council to Become a Tribal Temporary Assistance Provider for Needy Families

Beginning July 1, Cook Inlet Tribal Council will become a Tribal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Provider (Tribal TANF). Since 2000, CITC has provided case management services to Alaska Native families receiving Alaska Temporary Assistance (ATAP) benefits in order to help them achieve self-sufficiency. CITC decided to expand assistance to Alaska Native and American Indian families living within the Municipality of Anchorage who meet income eligibility criteria, by offering both cash benefits and case management services.

The program expects to serve 700 to 800 families per year and will be enhanced by existing services offered by the Employment and Training Services Department and others offered by CITC as a whole.

CITC worked closely with the State of Alaska over the last year to ensure a smooth transition for agencies and families into the new Tribal TANF program. Beginning in June, CITC will hire 15 new employees to fully serve participating families.

Tribal TANF will allow CITC more flexibility and creativity in helping families achieve their personal goals and potential.