The tribe had a number of functions the card needed to perform. The Tribe’s Program Compliance department’s primary duty is to identify their tribal citizens. Tribal citizens are issued an identification card to confirm that they are registered to a federally recognised tribe allowing access to services for which they may be eligible. Services include housing, education, health, other tribal services and (tribal) voting, and travel such as international travel allowing the legitimate crossing of the border to Canada.

The Program Compliance department is also responsible for issuing identification cards to Central Council’s employees. This card provides verification of employment and allows employees to receive federal government rates for business travel.

Because the previous cards had become ‘time-worn’ it was time to renew the overall look to reflect and inspire a continuing sense of pride and belonging.

The Central Council chose the XID8600 for ultra high-resolution print technology with long-lasting, non-fading colour presenting a long-term return on investment. They purchased two systems: one kept on-site at headquarters and the other is mobile, allowing workers to issue citizens’ cards in isolated regions separated by Alaska’s archipelago.

The new hologram provides instantaneous authentication, which also includes UV print. It is also TSA approved.  The new card also provides Improved protection from forgery thanks to advanced edge-to-edge 600dpi retransfer colour printing, microtext printing and a customised hologram.

“The new ID cards satisfy all our goals and our tribal citizens are very pleased with them,” says Grace Hawkins, Central Council’s Program Compliance Coordinator. “We’ve even managed to incorporate our tribe’s logo – a formline design of an eagle and raven – as a customised hologram, which makes it unique and creates an extra security feature.”

A tribal citizen from Central Council designed the dual-sided card bringing another special element to their new ID.  “There’s a lot of interest among our tribal citizens because it’s a second form of identification,” added Valerie Hillman, Central Council’s Program Compliance Manager. “Other tribes have enquired about our new ID card and it’s inspiring them to renew their own as well.”

It’s practical and daily usage has proved effective, whether that is accessing educational scholarships, medical or dental services or transport systems. Given Alaska’s diverse geography – divided so often by large bodies of open water managed by federal regulations – there is a higher proportion of airplanes and ferries than in other states.