Chickaloon Newsletter Collection

The Chickaloon News publication offers news and information about many issues affecting the lives of tribal citizens and the tribal sovereignty of Chickaloon Native Village.  Founded in April 1995 in Chickaloon, Alaska, by Patricia Wade, the publication was initially published on a monthly basis.  In 1999 it transitioned to 6 issues a year covering two consecutive months at a time.  In 2004, the newsletter became a quarterly publication on a seasonal basis. Each edition was $2.00 and an annual subscription was $24.00.  The publication originally was produced with Patricia Wade serving as the Editor-in-Chief and Rain Wade serving in the capacity of Page Design and Copy Editor.  In 2003, the publication was produced with Patricia Wade continuing to serve as Editor but Thomas F. Brannen stepping in to do Layout.  In 2004, both were joined by Dimi Macheras who was responsible for Artwork.  The Chickaloon News discontinued publication in 2004.  At that time, the newsletter transitioned into a smaller online publication entitled The Mini-Chick Newsletter.  The publication catered primarily to the discussion, political cartoons and photography of Indian Country, state government issues concerning native lands, tribal sovereignty and village governance.  Over time, the editorials within the newsletter began to reflect both Native American national issues, Alaska Native Issues, and tribal views with the inclusion of sections dedicated to Letters to the Editor, environmental, education and health issues affecting tribal citizens.  This expansive focus on issues that are diverse in terms of culture and geography creates a well-rounded depiction of Indian Country in the state of Alaska.  Chickaloon, ANCSA and CIRI are regularly mentioned throughout the different issues.

The Chickaloon News Collection was donated to Chickaloon Village Traditional Council by Lisa Wade at the request of Patricia Wade and several copies were donated by Angela Wade from her own personal collection (as a subscriber).  It consists of 76 issues (131 copies) ranging in the date from April 1995 to March/April 2008.  The collection also includes an additional 4 issues (May 1995, April 1996, November 1996 and December 1997) of the Ya Ne Dah Ah Journal, a newsletter comprised of articles written by students at the school, which were found attached to corresponding dated copies of The Chickaloon News.  In an effort to maintain the collection in a manner that was intended by its creator, who stored them using this method, the issues were left as they are without being detached.   All the issues are housed in two archival boxes with one containing single copies of original issues and the second containing additional copies of the originals.  Majority of the newsletters are in good condition with some minor signs of extensive wear.