On February 12, 1973, Tribal members Frank See, Bertha Cavanaugh, Robert Sanderson, Caroline Powell, and Cyril George convened for the first meeting of the Tlingit & Haida Regional Housing Authority Board of Commissioners (BOC). Since then, the BOC has worked steadily for the past 45 years to meet the housing needs of individuals and families throughout Southeast Alaska.

The creation of THRHA was authorized by State of Alaska Statute 18.55.995 giving Tlingit Haida Central Council (CCTHITA) the authority to create a regional housing authority for Southeast Alaska. Under this statute, CCTHITA appoints the five-member Board of Commissioners for THRHA, each serving a three-year term. THRHA is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation with all of the powers, rights, and functions as the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC).