Galena student returns from Washington, D.C. trip to better communities

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Tristan Madros

By ELSIE ILMAR, staff writer

GILA junior Tristan Madros has returned from a conference in Washington, D.C., about dealing with substance abuse with plans to put in place what he learned there.

Tristan attended the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Youth Conference in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 17-19. He was selected to represent his home village of Kaltag. His cousin Courtney Sanders was also selected to attend the conference.

Tristan said he learned how to better a community, become a better leader, and stand up for what you believe in.

He wants to take back the knowledge that he learned in Washington, D.C., and implement it.

Tristan spent much of his time working with a panel of board members in the White House and the Native leaders that worked with the White House.

He also visited the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian Institution.

Tristan’s conference travel expenses were paid for by the Tanana Chiefs Conference.