THE COUNCIL • PAGE 1

D e n a ’ N e n a ’ H e n a s h O u r L a n d S p e a k s

VOL. 28, NO. 8 A REPORT TO THE MEMBER TRIBES OF THE TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 2003 Minto Health Aide: Silas Helps Crash Victims Honoring Health Aides Continues By Ginger Kennedy Placeres, Editor he got there, the doctor was saying ‘do this, countries would watch do that’ and he was excited. When I told Alaska, see how the health them that my son was lying over there, they aides work in the rural were different (to me).” Sarah’s voice was area, and used us as an quiet as she explained the tragedy, quiet but example. I think that’s the strong and it’s obvious that her strength best thing to happen to carried her through many difficult times. the villages, when they “At first people didn’t trust me, you know started the health aide how people are with new health aides, they and VPSO positions.” think we didn’t know. But then after I took I used to talk to care of all those in the wreck, people felt Tanana all the time by different about me.” radio from the Minto She described an unfortunate plane School. It was terrible. I crash which landed on a road in Minto with talked to Dr. James all the seven (including the pilot) people aboard. time, explain things over “They were all alive though but this lady the radio. The students had a severed spinal cord. They were flying were aware of my talking to Nenana from Bettles, they were having but they didn’t bother me.” and saw three preserved bodies; a man, plane trouble. He tried to land on the airstrip Like other featured health aides, Sarah woman, and child. They gave us gloves, and but the wind was blowing so hard when the talks of her historical position as an early the body was dried, just like moose skin. plane quit, it just came down by the health aide, saying “I had to fly out with They say ‘you operate on the body.’ One Sarah Silas was the Minto health aide roadside. The pilot had a fractured leg. The patients, in really, really, bad weather. We health aide walked out she got so sick. Some for 17 years, having started in October 1974. whole village came out and helped, they followed creeks and railroads for said ‘I’m not gonna eat lunch!’ Seem like it “After all my kids were grown up and I brought blankets.” sometimes two hours.” She talks of the didn’t bother me, it was natural. Maybe us didn’t know anything about medicine, all I Patients were treated at her old house, changing times, “They have a lot of new older people was like that, not the young knew was Bayer aspirin. We didn’t have a much smaller than her house today, and equipment that we didn’t have back in the people.” clinic with medicines in those early days” supplies were mailed in. “I didn’t know I old days. We used to shake up the “I tell this guy one time, ‘I do face lifts Sarah describes her history as well as the was calm. I pray about everything, when thermometer, the kind with mercury in it. too. You see that guy right there; he was community’s early stages. the accident happened, I prayed. I didn’t The doctors used to fly in about once a year drunk one time and fell and it tore (point to The visit to her home had its own know how serious it is. So I pray about to visit.” facial area). It was just all torn up. I had to rewards; looking out her front window felt everything…it’s by the grace of God that I When asked how to encourage health cut some pieces off and stitch it together, 16 like a private viewing of the entire Minto do what I do. That’s what I tell everybody. aides, she said “I don’t know, it’s really stitches. The man said, ‘No wonder his skin Flats. Sarah and her husband Bergman, Vivian Liners is the woman who was unique, they’re really something. I’ll support looks tight!’ They joked about it. who have been married for 59 years, have injured, of Sarah she says “I believe to this anyone who is a health aide. I had to take Even if I’m in Fairbanks, they come to eight kids: Ronnie, Nolan, Frankie, Nicky, day that her lovely, quiet healing ways held care of two people with stab wounds, this me, in my room, where I’m at. If I’m in Vera, Burma, Selma, and Elaine. all six of us who were injured in Minto.” one guy died. The police come down and another village, they’ll call me to come and “The worst thing I can remember is “I was really busy with alcohol-related interview me, I say ‘I just had tunnel vision. help. No matter where I went, even way when my son got killed on the road. Seven accidents. Seems like it’s not that bad right All I thought about was saving a life. So he down the highway, they’ll call me where I’m kids on that truck, the cop thinks there was now, people probably learned ‘cause they didn’t ask me many questions. When you’re at. Not only what I do or what I did, it was a blown-out tire. It went out of control and had me going 24 hours a day-sutering, trying to save a life, you have a different all the health aides. We don’t brag-we just my son, Stanley, fell out and got killed; the sutering, sutering! Most of the deaths with attitude. I never knew in my life that I would try to tell what we did, and what it was like. others were okay but hurt. I had to take the young people were alcohol related- be touching a dead body, it don’t bother Now that Sarah’s retired she takes care of the injured while my son laid there, gunshot wounds, drowning. Health aides me.’” advantage of her free time “we go camping, people just stand back and watch. Someone had to pronounce them dead, we did a lot She shared a crazy story about her times fishing, travel to villages like Nenana, threw a jacket over his head and my of things: suturing, temporary fillings in the with the other health aides, “I knew Rose, Tanacross, we feel free and just go!! We feel husband had a blanket. My husband stood teeth, a lot of things that the nurses don’t in Jesse, Freda Esmailka, Pauline Peter. Once too free after being tied down with a job. there and I threw the blanket over my son hospitals today.” Sarah helped to bring life we went to Chena Hot Springs, the guy said My husband took care of the generator for and then took care of a head injury; the boy into the world as well, delivering four babies ‘before we go out, we’re going to the almost 30 years too.” No doubt they enjoy was having convulsions before the doctor in her 17-year career. university to examine a real body.’ We didn’t their home; it’s peaceful, warm, and host to and nurse got there (they flew over). When “They used to tell us that other know what they meant but we got there an unforgettable view.

Village Americorps Volunteers Ready to Begin Service in Their Communities Community gardens, youth councils, include different generations within families. fish camps, baseball, newsletters, basketball, While doing so, they hope to develop their spirit camps, dances, Earth Quest…These leadership abilities and job skills, as well as are just a few of the activities that increase community involvement and AmeriCorps Members are coordinating. participation in activities. After an intense orientation September Village AmeriCorps Members 8-12th in Fairbanks, AmeriCorps Members Circle: Jessica Boyle, full-time returned to their homes to begin giving back Fort Yukon: Kelly Carroll, part-time to their communities for a year. The Huslia: Cesa Sam, full-time members spent the week exploring Tetlin: Angela Sam, full-time opportunities that they could share with Tetlin: Patricia Young, full-time youth. There were speakers addressing An important aspect of the program, topics as diverse as community gardening, aside from strong Village Council and Get Out The Native Vote, and Family community support, is the mentoring and Mapping. They also went on exciting field support garnered from the supervisors in trips to Calypso Farm in Ester, TCCC each village. Without them, the program Guest speaker Sam Demientieff praised the volunteers. Campus in Nenana, and the University of would not be as strong or successful. If you would like to know more about as well as interested in your thoughts and Alaska, Fairbanks. Upon return to the Supervisors this year are Vicki Thomas in the program, please speak with the suggestions. Also feel free to contact the villages, members will be coordinating Fort Yukon, Crystal Charlie in Circle, AmeriCorps member in your community. AmeriCorps Programs Coordinator, activities in three areas: youth activities, job Selina Sam in Huslia, and Kristie Young in They are eager to talk about the program Stephenie Bennett toll-free at 800-478-6822 readiness training and activities which will Tetlin. and the activities in which they are involved, or locally at (907)-452-8251 ext. 3416. PAGE 2 • THE COUNCIL • SEPTEMBER 2003 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor, Dear Editor: Living in the “Lower 48” has been a Dear Editor, good conversation piece as well. I also like Recently the Native community held a The family of Chief Peter John would My name is Tillila Lee Beetus. I am a the fact that the program is following the 26-year-old Athabascan from Hughes and “farewell potluck” dinner for Harry Fields like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to: and his family who are moving to Haines. Iditarod trail since training for a race like Fairbanks. My parents are: Lorraine and There were several speeches and remarks that requires a lot of time and effort. So Richard David, Mona Lisa Jones and George made about Harry’s work in our walking each day builds stamina, •All of our hunters and gatherers, Nollner, and the late Rodney Lee Holmberg. community by Hannah Solomon, Howard perseverence, and endurance. It also takes •Those who shopped, sent and mental discipline to get out and walk each I have been recovering from my alcohol and Luke, Vernon Joseph and others. I think brought the groceries cocaine addiction for the past 21 months. A day as a way of life. everyone in the Fairbanks community •Our cooks in Fairbanks and Minto lot of you have heard stories of my alcohol should be aware of Harry’s quiet style of I’m also thankful for my husband Peter and drug abuse because I partied for 11 helping others in need over these many who is my biggest encourager to walk and •Those who were able to travel and years straight. I sent myself to treatment years. when he can he walks with us. So, I want to visit with us after breaking my elbow, assaulting people Several years ago Harry and I worked encourage my fellow walkers to continue •Those who sent letters, cards and with a baton, getting sexually assaulted while together as part of the State of Alaska’s on with their walking and see you in Nome. called us I was wasted and giving up my daughter project to return the remains of tuberculosis Thank you, •All the Native corporations and for a couple of months. I’ve done a lot of victims from Sitka to their families and Mae Gunderson and son, Sean organizations communities. Harry did extensive research Grant Gunderson. bad things, but I am who I am, I need to be •St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church okay with that. Something I learned in in contacting families and their relatives throughout the Interior. He worked on this Dear Editor, •Carlson Center treatment was to talk about things that project because he cares about others in the •Minto School bother me. Tragedy struck our family in July when Interior. our cousin Richard “Buddy” George Jr. was Four days after I graduated from Many times Harry and I have worked killed. Buddy was the son of Richard and There were so many people involved. treatment Danielle Noel Knight passed Barbara George and the grandson of together in answering calls to salvage “road Although we can’t list every individual, we away. I lost someone who was always there kill” moose. Sometimes it’s cold or late at Robert and Mary Duncan, all of Angoon, for me; I alienated so many people with my night, but I always knew I could count on and Cyril and Judy George of Juneau. know who you are. We couldn’t have gotten through this time without each one of you. drunkenness and drugs. Harry to respond and help. Perhaps the Buddy was a quiet, well-liked young greatest thing he did on a regular basis in Close to two years later, I go to the man, full of love for his family and friends, Your thoughtfulness is appreciated and connection with this was to always cook up we will miss him dearly. will always be remembered. May the good hospital (way too much) to see people I a pot of soup or whatever and take it to We would like to send a thank you to Lord bless each and everyone. have been avoiding while in recovery. I love Denali Center to share with our Native the community of Tanana for fundraising them so much, they know who they are. elders there. This is a priceless service that Anna Basee’–thank you, From the for our travel to Southeast (Alaska). Special Alcohol and drugs will kill you if you let it. he performed without any expectation of family;Cora, Garnette and Eartha thanks to those who donated, especially You all know it can happen! getting paid or even a thank you. Grandkids, great grandkids, great- Pastor Russ and Alice Sharrock of Nenana, great grandkids Many times he supervised the cooking Everyone, please, be real to your people! Daphne Huntington and Cynthia Erickson, The village of Minto If someone calls you for help, it might be for potlatches at the tribal hall. When who headed up the fundraising efforts in because they believe in your friendship. families suffered the loss of a family Tanana, Gary’s parents Joey and Jerilyn What comes around goes around. Always member, he was always one to respond with George of Angoon and to the whole remember where you really come from. I food and other help. Woods/Kookesh family of Angoon and know not everyone was raised walking on I think I speak for everyone who knows Tanana for always being here for us with CORRECTION: pavement. What makes you better than me? Harry Fields when I say “ma’hsi choo” for love and support in our times of need. What makes me better than you? Could it all you’ve done for others over the years. Our uncle, grandpa, and father all His departure leaves a big void for the be just a better ability to mask problems? stated that our presence made the circle Fairbanks Native community. We all wish The article on page 6 of the August Believe in yourselves, and give others a complete and that our children brought him and his family the best in their new strength to the family. issue regarding Fisheries, titled chance, especially if you don’t really know adventure in Southeast Alaska. them. Don’t assume you know somebody No one can be prepared for these “Counting Salmon on the Tozitna” Now the question is-who is going to includes an error by the editor. by what you have heard. Think! Should happenings but all of the love you’ve shown come forward to carry on Harry’s work? us has helped warm our days.God Bless all Although the Fisheries Department people believe every single thing someone Sincerely, of you and our love and prayers are with worked with two Tanana residents, has ever said about you? Bob Maguire the whole George family. Roxanne Kennedy and Harris To all my friends, I learned I need to Fairbanks, Alaska Anaa’ Bassee’, Hyslop, the community wasn’t part make my sobriety more important than my Gary, Carry, Chantz, Brooke, and of the subsistence data collection own daughter. If I take a drink, you know I Peirce Edwin on salmon. won’t stop and it’s not easy. I go out all the Dear Editor, time and relive my past through other I want to thank the people who are in people. Not to be nosy, or judgmental. I’ve the TCC Diabetes Program for all their been there, I’ve been worse and I still feel the hard work. I have been walking for the last shame and embarrassment. Through all two years and marking my mileage as I go these people, I see myself two years ago. We along. Years ago my brothers, Stuart and have to make our choices carefully, young Louis Grant encouraged me to write down or old. We are responsible for our actions, my workout each day so I put it on the we will be held accountable no matter what. calendar as well. I started when my son Sean was four months old and now we are over The Council is a monthly report to the member tribes of the Tanana Chiefs Baa’see, halfway there. At times it would be easier to Conference, in accordance with agreements with the Bureau of Indian Affairs Tillila Beetus go without him but he enjoys being outside and the Indian Health Service. Letters to the editor, other written contributions Fairbanks, Alaska and we also take this time to look at God’s creation. Since most lessons children learn and photo submissions are welcome. However, space is limited and program are caught than taught hopefully he is oriented news has priority. TCC reserves the right to edit or reject material. learning the great value of exercise. For the Letters and opinions are not necessarily the opinions of Tanana Chiefs last several months he is learning to warm Conference. Material submitted anonymously will not be published. up before and after we walk, it’s cute to see Contributions and questions may be directed to: him stretch his little legs next to me. The Council Ginger Kennedy Placeres, Editor Tanana Chiefs Conference 122 First Avenue, Suite 600 Did you know... Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: (907) 452-8251, ext. 3227 The Yukon River Bridge was completed on October 9, 1975. Toll-free within Alaska: 1-800-478-6822, ext. 3227 Toll-free from outside Alaska: 1-800-770-8251, ext. 3227 Fax: (907) 459-3851 IN InTHIS This IssueISSUE E-mail: [email protected] Subregional Offices Tanana Chiefs Conference...... 1,3,4 Yukon-Koyukuk Kuskokwim Yukon-Tanana Letters to the Editor...... 2 P. O. Box 92 P. O. Box 169 1302 21st Avenue Galena, AK 99741 McGrath, AK 99627 Fairbanks, AK 99701 Community & Natural Resources...... 5-6 (907) 656-1326 (907) 524-3005 (907) 459-3930 Health Services...... 7-8 Natives in the Military...... 9 Upper Tanana Lower Yukon Yukon Flats Subregional News...... 10-11 P. O. Box 129 P. O. Box 190 P. O. Box 304 Tok, AK 99780 Holy Cross, AK 99602 Ft. Yukon, AK 99740 News for Our People...... 12 (907) 883-5181 (907) 476-7137 (907) 662-2556 SEPTEMBER 2003 •THE COUNCIL • PAGE 3 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE Picnic a Big Success Grant Tip of the Month Begin each grant section with a clear, strong statement. Remember the value of simplicity. Don’t waste words. The federal program year for most grants ends September 30, 2003. New grant requests for proposals should be available in October. Keep your eyes and Internet connections open. For more information, call Richard (Dick) Farris toll-free at 800-478- 6822 or at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3246.

New Fund Development Coordinator Neil Gahn is the Fund Development Coordinator with Youth Employment and The Fairbanks Native Association Ch’eghutsen’ Project “Children Are Precious” and Training. He works with the Youth Tanana Chiefs Conference, Family Services Department collaborated and hosted the Back Opportunity Grant, Youth Employment to School Barbecue/Family Fun Day for the Alaska Native Community on August 16, 2003 Services, Tribal Civilian Community Corps, and Village Americorps, to raise at the Pioneer Park. general funds for their programs and to We would like to thank all those who came out with your family and friends to enjoy secure funding for special projects. Having the day. We had over 350 people gather at the park to enjoy all the good food, friendly grant writing skills, Neil researches for company and fun activities. It was so good to visit and to see everyone having fun and appropriate grants and foundations, smiling. following up with a proposal or letter to the granting agency or foundation. He also We would like to extend as special thanks to: Interior Fuels Service, Marc Wery, advises other Village AmeriCorps members Fairbanks Station Manager for donating propane and ice, all of the TCC and FNA staff so they can accomplish this individually. that worked many long hours setting up and cleaning up, and the three cooks-Robert Additionally, Neil organizes and helps with McGee, Ethan Schutt, and Don Shircel who labored over the grills for hours preparing Neil Gahn fundraising activities, like the recent Survive hamburgers and hotdogs, and very special thanks to Angela Huntington for our blessing. It and Drive It contest. He’ll also update the Thank you everyone who helped make this 2003 Native Community Back to School/ TCC/AmeriCorps website and will regularly produce articles on behalf of the Employment program. Family Fun Day picnic a success. Please watch for Ch’eghutsen’ activities in September. Neil is from Burlington, Iowa and spent over four years as a combat weather forecaster in the Air Force and has spent time in Tuzla, Bosnia. He has a Bachelor’s Fellowships Awarded degree from the University of Iowa in Management. You can contact Neil toll-free at 800-478-6822 or (907) 452-8251 ext. 3281. You can also email him at By Beth Leonard, Language Coordinator-Instructor, Interior Athabascan Tribal College [email protected]. The Genaga Career Ladder Program, In order to be eligible for a fellowship, a grant-funded partnership between the candidates must be accepted into the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Alaska Denaqenage’ Career Ladder Program, and Native Language Center, the Interior enrolled in a UAF M.Ed. or B.A. program Introducing a New Section: Athabascan Tribal College (IATC), and the with a major focus on Alaskan Athabascan Gateway, and Lake and Peninsula School language study and teaching. Preference is TCC’s Home Care Services, Elder’s Program, the Fairbanks Native Association, Districts, is pleased to announce that the given to students studying, or intending to and Denakkanaaga’ have combined efforts to increase our level of care, concern, and following participants have been awarded study Tanacross, Upper Tanana, or recognition of our Elders. Regular articles will address concerns and relevant competitive fellowships for the fall 2003– Dena’ina; however, consideration is given information for the elderly. spring 2004 academic year: to applicants studying other Alaskan Athabascan languages. Applications for the fall 2004–Spring 2005 competition will be Lily LaRose Luke-Tanacross sent out in March 2004. If you have any Taking Care of Our Elders... Michelle Ravenmoon-Dena’ina questions about the fellowship application Shauna Sagmoen--Dena’ina process, or would like to be included on our Amy Van Hatten-Koyukon application mailing list, please call Beth Seasonal Vaccines Verna Wagner-Tanacross Leonard, IATC Language Coordinator at By Charlotte Davis, Public Health Nurse, Chief Andrew Isaac 1-800-478-6822 ext.3287 or e-mail Health Center Elder’s Program [email protected]. As summer days fade away to fall, the Elders Program at CAIHC is gearing up for the yearly influenza vaccination clinic. The clinic provides the influenza, pneumovax, and tetanus-diphtheria vaccines to many Elders each year. We want to Voter Registration do even more this year! It is hard to predict the exact date the vaccine will arrive in Alaska. When the Celebration a Success vaccine arrives, we notify Elders in several ways. We hang purple posters all around By Tanya Beatus, Planning and Development Technician CAIHC announcing the clinic dates and times. We send fliers to the village health clinics so Elders coming to Fairbanks can come get their vaccines when in town. We It was a successful year for Get Out or another. Of the 17 Borough candidates, send reminder postcards to each Elder who lives in the urban area. The Native Votes’ Voter (GONTV) 12 were in attendance, and all were The clinic is usually set to start the first week of October. This clinic is held on the Registration Potluck Extravaganza 2003! interesting to listen to. There were five voter third floor of CAIHC in the Community Health Nursing Department. You do not There were birthdays, burgers, hot dogs, registration stations, a host and a hostess, need appointments for this clinic, just walk-in. Nurses will be standing by to provide hard-working volunteers, candidates, three moderators, and a lot of mouths to the vaccines you need. We check your health summary to tell you which prizes, kids games, Potlatch dancers, and feed! immunizations you may need. most of all, people being informed of the I was impressed with the people who There are many different ways to get your influenza vaccine: Fairbanks North Star prepared the food, setup, • Ask your doctor or nurse for the vaccine during your regular appointment at Borough elections this year and • About 140 people registered people to vote, and either CAIHC or when the doctor is traveling to your village. registering to vote. There was checked then cleaned-up afterward. • See the Community Health Aide in your village when they receive the vaccine. a large turnout from the registration Also, thanks to the folks • Visit the State of Alaska Public Health Nurse when they go to your village. st community, Natives and non- • 65 registered for 1 who loaned us their laptops • Come to the yearly influenza vaccination clinic at the Fairbanks Native Natives alike. It’s very cool time and computer expertise. If Association Elder luncheon at the Hannah Solomon building. when we can all come together • 30 volunteered you recognize a volunteer, • Come to the CAIHC Influenza Clinic in October. for something as important as • 12 borough please tell them they did a • Call your CAIHC Public Health Nurse for a home visit if you are bed-ridden getting ourselves informed and candidates spoke good job and thank them for and unable to leave your home. prepared to vote. The event their time, because this event Immunizations are no longer just for kids, they are for everyone! So what also emphasized the responsibility public could not have been done without them. immunizations should you have and how often? There are three immunizations representatives have by showing that we Again, thank you so much and remember every Elder should have: care about the decisions they make while in to vote on October 7th! those positions. • Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine every 10 years. Look out for the potluck next year! If • Pneumovax vaccine every six years. Approximately 140 people checked on you would like to volunteer for any other • Influenza vaccine every year. their voter registration status, 65 people GOTNV events, email Think fall and think influenza vaccine! Come visit us in October and get all your registered to vote for the first time or [email protected] or call toll-free 800- immunizations up to date. Help us help you protect yourself from these serious and updated their information, and there were 478-6822 or locally (907) 452-8251 ext. 3276. approximately 30 volunteers, though it deadly diseases. For information, call Charlotte toll-free at 800-478-6822 or (907) seemed like everyone helped out in one way 451-6682 ext. 3663. PAGE 4 • THE COUNCIL • SEPTEMBER 2003 TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE New On-Call Counselor TCC Begins Trainings Nena DeRoche is a new addition to the staff of the Old Minto Family Recovery Camp and is a recent graduate of the Tanana Valley Campus through the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. A Yupik Eskimo from Aleknagik, she received her Associates of Applied Sciences in Addictions Counseling in the Human Services program. She recently acquired her licensing as a Counselor Technician for Substance Abuse through the State of Alaska and is also a writer for Alaska Newspapers, Incorporated. Nena has two children, a 16-year-old son, Paul, who just completed his summer-long work experience through the Youth Employment Services program, and a newlywed daughter, Kristina, who is attending the University of Acting Information Systems Director Jesse Fogelboch, Crystal Alaska, Fairbanks. Nena says “My purpose is to Stordahl, Jim Kohler, Stephenie Bennett, and Reva Shircel discuss the help Native people struggling with substance attributes of an ideal supervisor. abuse, to learn coping skills that will help them Nena DeRoche heal and begin recovery.” She can be contacted toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3144 . New Face at Old Minto Family Recovery Camp Ed Soren begins his position as Intake Counselor this month, having worked for five years at the Fairbanks Correctional Center with the Inmate Substance Abuse Program. The state has relinquished Valerie Isaac, Casey Hann, Mary Jo Reynolds, Connie Mayo, Ruth the program and no drug education exists in Alaska Evans, and LaRose Luke discuss their goals for the Supervisory jails. Training exercise. He is married to Sandy (Denny) of Tanacross and has two children from her previous marriage. Many employees will participate in six major training sessions, learning Conflict Ed would like clients to know that the Old Minto Resolution, Customer Service, Time and Focus Management, Team Building, and Family Recovery Camp is here to serve the needs of others. The various training sessions are part of a plan to improve services provided clients directly or through referrals. He can be by TCC. Focusing on individual customer service as well as the overall organization reached toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at will enhance this long-term goal. For more information, contact Kevin Dee, Training (907) 452-8251 ext. 3160. and Planning Specialist, toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally (907) 452-8251 ext. 3110 .

Ed Soren Various Opportunities at Head Start Training By Sarah Kuenzli, Head Start Director

“The Future’s So Bright, We Gotta Wear effectiveness. Ann Brantmeier, Kaltag Home from the Resource Center for Shades” was the theme of this year’s Head Educator, shared the Alaska Teacher Parents and Children, shared a Start pre-service, held August 25-29, at the Performance Standards and led a discussion video they are producing called David Salmon Tribal Hall. The training on how these standards are incorporated. “Athabascan Parenting.” It sessions were designed in response to annual Marge Illingsworth, from the University of incorporates traditional program and staff training assessments. Alaska, led a valuable session on Athabascan values in parenting. The highest priorities were developed into organization, time management, and study We were excited to see Head workshop sessions for our Head Start skills. All Head Start educators are working Start staff and parents featured; educators and ranged from to increase their knowledge and skills in Early it will be an excellent resource professionalism and ethics to First Aid and Childhood Education through formal for our Family Partnership CPR. Head Start programs are located in training programs and college courses. activities. Allakaket, Holy Cross, Huslia, Kaltag, Parents are welcome to join our training We learned about Nulato, Ruby, and Tanana serving families program; talk with your Head Start documentation changes and with children between the ages of birth and Educator to get more information. We can how valuable information- Sue Barrett and other Head Start staff improved five years of age. never know too much or be too skilled for sharing is between parents and their computer skills through a training course with Lead Educators Milly Bergman, our children, we want to provide the best staff for quality services. We Leah Morgan. Yvonne King, Eleanor Sam, Bev Madros, possible program for every child and family. need to document the Joanne Pitka, and Adele Grant began with a Head Start requires a partnership information we receive and our services as in addition to regular exercise. Young session on leadership and updates on the between staff and parents. We learned how we are accountable to each child, family, children need to move around a lot, so now national changes coming to Head Start. this works and practiced ways to share the community, and funding agencies to ensure we know more ways to provide safe and Their teams joined in for a session by Bonnie information in our home communities. quality programming. fun movement activities, even when it’s 40 below-zero. Powell, a Head Start consultant from Our Policy Council is the governing body Sue Hollingsworth provided required Homer, Alaska, on professionalism and for the program, and consists of parent and training on abuse, neglect identification, Bud Kuenzli led a hands-on session ethics. Our early childhood professionals community members. They make critical and reporting. She reviewed the laws and using our computers and learning the provide services, specialized knowledge, and decisions about program priorities. Last reporting requirements, when/whom to basics of Microsoft Word. Finally, we a commitment to quality, dependability, and spring, the Policy Council identified a need report, and State and Tribal systems. Staff learned about blood-borne pathogens for parents to increase needs to work with parents and these (keeping ourselves and our centers safe), understanding of systems to access resources and assistance. CPR, and First Aid. Everyone demonstrated Head Start and their their skills for children, infants, and adults, roles and Head Start Educators also learned so they’ll be receiving their Red Cross responsibilities in about our new developmental screening certification cards soon. and assessment systems. We will use the supporting their Congratulations to everyone for their program. Children Ages and Stages Questionnaire for screening and the Individual Child Profile hard work and enthusiasm all week. Anaa learn best when bassee’ to the people who made our training parents are involved, for assessments. These screenings and ongoing observations help staff and successful. We’re off to a bright start and so participating in plan to have a wonderful year. your local Head Start parents use materials and develop activities helps your child the so children gain new skills and knowledge. most. Madeline Patterson-O’Dell, from Videographer CAIHC, presented “Nutrition and Activity Head Start Director Sarah Kuenzli watches Marion Esmailka Odin Peter-Raboff and for Radiant Health.” Eating healthy to of Kaltag practice rescue breathing skills. Joanne Pitka and Marilyn Egglesten, prevent heart disease, diabetes, and other Carol Alexie wait nearby. lifestyle-related problems was emphasized SEPTEMBER 2003 • THE COUNCIL • PAGE 5 COMMUNITY & NATURAL RESOURCES Community Planning Reinforces Denali Traditional Values Commission By Malinda Chase, Project Coordinator, TCC/UAF/USDA-Denali Commission Holy Cross Subregional Community Planning Partnership Project with input from Michelle Anderson, Denali Commission Update Our Elders have long emphasized the or events and beliefs that provide a positive funds. By Theresa Gallagher, Office of Environmental Health need to take care of one another and the sense of community. There are several incentives for world around us, especially in contributing Community planning is largely about completing a community plan. It means The Denali Commission Business Plan to our communities. The list of Athabascan self-determination. A large part of self- priority project funding by state and federal training was held May 28-30, 2003, at the Values created by our Elders during the 1985 determination is demonstrating the agencies, having a voice in the larger regional River’s Edge Resort in Fairbanks. Those that Denakkanaaga Conference identifies Village initiative to decide a community’s future, plans for development, demonstrating attended the training were representatives Cooperation and Responsibility to Village which means doing the work it takes to community cooperation and collaboration from Koyukuk, Nulato, Birch Creek, as a value significant in our regional beliefs. create a comprehensive community plan. It on future ventures and strategically Chalkyitsik, Circle, Hughes, Minto, Huslia, This and other values stressed by our is a pro-active process, which allows the addressing the ability to manage and sustain Kaltag and Venetie. Representatives from Elders are intertwined with the goals of community to make choices for themselves, projects or initiatives. Denali Commission, Alaska Native Tribal community planning. These values without outside influence. The process of Currently the communities of Consortium (ANTHC), Council of emphasize the historical significance that planning is a way for the community to Grayling, Anvik, Shageluk and Holy Cross Athabascan Tribal Governments (CATG), tribal groups or village have followed to collectively explore its history, strengths and are developing individual local community and TCC also attended the training. work together and approach issues hopes. A written plan is really a tool to be plans through a partnership project with Some villages completed their Business collectively to survive. Decisions were made used internally by local leadership and Tanana Chiefs Conference/University of Plan while at the training. Others needed by incorporating a common belief system, community members, and externally to Alaska/ United States Department of more input from their villages and and they were often made for the best guide outside organizations and agencies in Agriculture-Rural Development and the information from their health corporation. interest of the whole community. the work they do with the community. Denali Commission. In the process each Most of the villages need to find matching Currently federal, statewide and Comprehensive community planning community is reflecting on its unique funds in order to obtain Denali Commission regional entities emphasize written local is not a new concept; however, it is currently qualities, strengths and ideas for their Construction grant money. Recommended comprehensive community plans. They ask being stressed from a regional and statewide collective direction. This initiative is a direct funding authorities to find matching dollars communities to define their collective perspective. The 20-Year Regional Visioning result of a local Elder stressing the need for are the Indian Community Development direction and long-range vision. This 2002 Conference hosted by TCC identifies coordinated planning and importance of Block Grant (ICDBG). Community process encompasses many of the core two areas that specifically stressed the need communities managing their own way. Development Block (CDBG); Rasmusson values we practiced traditionally. for community planning in the Family and If you are concerned about the long- Foundation; and by providing acceptable Comprehensive community planning Communities and Economic Development term direction of your community and local donations such as land. Vision Statements and Action Plans. encourages a community to look at the long- potential development in the region, ask If you need assistance or have questions range and “big picture” for the community. On a statewide level, The Denali your local leaders if there is a community about the Business Plan or any other This means that the community considers Commission is a federal-state partnership plan or encourage and assist them in questions concerning The Denali how various projects, such as construction, established by Congress in 1998 to provide developing a plan. Community plans do Commission Health Clinic process please housing, roads, water/sewer systems or utilities, infrastructure and economic not need to be elaborate from the outset. contact your local health corporation or recreational areas may work in relation to support throughout Alaska. They are Over time, a plan is referred to, built upon, the Office of Environmental Health. For each other and have a positive influence. It urging communities to complete a updated as the community grows or more information, call Bob McGee at (907) can be holistically tailored to include comprehensive plan, with participation of changes. For more information, contact me 452-8251, ext. 3117, Gavin Carmichael at historical experience, goals to strengthening tribal, city and village corporate entities, in toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at ext. 3165, Jim Kohler at ext. 3607, or Theresa and promote local skills, cultural renewal, order to receive Denali Commission project (907) 452-8251 ext. 3484. Gallagher at ext. 3436. Young Athabascans Graduate from Adult Learning Porgrams of Alaska

Yvonne Bifelt, from Huslia, Nicole Bifelt, Victor Vent Mike Lasack, also from Huslia, smiles Bianca Charlie of Minto accepts her award with received congratulatory $100 checks from the Youth after reaching his goal and getting a Audrey George and Odin Peter-Raboff, both of TCC Opportunity Grant program. check from Youth Opportunity Grant. Youth programs.

Athabascan is 1st Business Development Graduate of Reindeer Events in Minto Herding Program Minto Lakeview Lodge By Richard “Dick” Farris, Village Grant Writer Business Training Class Wilbur Yaska, Koyukon Athabascan adaptable and so am I.” #1 from Huslia, was honored last spring for The reindeer husbandry program is September 23-24, 2003 being the very first graduate of the Reindeer open and available to anyone interested in Learn the necessities of starting a business, how to apply for business Husbandry course of study at the learning how to raise reindeer. Included in loans, how to market your business, and how to develop a business University of Alaska, Fairbanks (UAF). the curriculum were tendering, marking, plan. Wilbur has had a lifetime ambition to round-up, and nutritional diets for reindeer develop a reindeer farm and processing and techniques of slaughtering and plant. He helped design the husbandry processing reindeer for commercial sale. Financial Skills Worshop program with Greg Finstad, manager of Wilbur feels that raising and herding UAF’s reindeer research program. #2 September 24-25, 2003 reindeer is closely related to the subsistence He is employed at the UAF’s accounting lifestyle he grew up in. Much of the pure Learn to manage checking and savings accounts, achieve financial department and is more than willing to give subsistence life no longer exists today, goals, understand credit and credit reports, develop a spending plan, up good paying employment to foster according to Wilbur; herding reindeer and access credit. further development of reindeer herding in restores much of the awareness of living Interior of Alaska, while also encouraging completely off the land and recognizing that For more information, call Tanya Beatus toll-free at 800-478- Athabascans to become involved. When the earth is something to share rather than 6822 or locally at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3276. asked where he would like to eventually have just using and owning. his reindeer farm, Wilbur said “anywhere in the wilderness, reindeer are very PAGE 6 • THE COUNCIL • SEPTEMBER 2003 COMMUNITY & NATURAL RESOURCES Permanent Winter My Future in Fisheries Fisheries Intern Experience Trail-Marking Project By Valli Peterson, Fisheries Intern, Wildlife & Parks By Larry Bredeman, Transportation With the completion of a Fisheries to collected age, sex, length, fin clips, and Director degree coming near, I am beginning to look hearts of salmon at the subsistence fish at graduate programs in the same field, but camps of family and friends. The As the winter it wasn’t until my second year in college that subsistence camp setting combined science season is rapidly I even knew what Fisheries entailed. Despite with a component of salmon the youth approaching here in growing up in a Southwest Alaska fishing understood. Mixing these two aspects of the Interior, the town, I never had exposure to the science fisheries worked wonders for the 14 youth Alaska Department behind fisheries, “informing youth in hired for the program. Perhaps one day a of Transportation schools about fisheries was not a common few may manage the subsistence Fisheries and the TCC form of public outreach for agencies like in the communities where they reside. Community and Alaska Department of Fish and Game and Regional U.S. Fish and Wildlife, especially in rural After completing a master’s program Transportation Alaska”. However, serving as a fisheries intern in Fisheries, I see myself working in Alaska Program are at Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) in Fisheries research. However, the beginning the Permanent trail marking materials arrived in Nulato. through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Partners opportunity to fulfill a position comprised construction and placement of up to 20 permanent tripod markers for every mile largely of public outreach was a heartfelt on trails that connect the villages of Kaltag, Nulato, Koyukuk, Galena, and Huslia. Program, I have had the opportunity to assist in the new trend of educating youth experience. I felt as though I made a The total number of trail miles being marked this winter is approximately 200 difference and in many ways wish more miles. TCC has met with the Nulato Traditional Council to present the scope of about Fisheries Biology and witness Alaskan communities become more investment in youth for science was made work and answer questions. We will be contacting the remaining Tribes to set up possible. In the long run, fine tuning these trips to visit and show a Power Point presentation that outlines the winter project involved with Fisheries Biology than ever before. projects will encourage kids to learning 2001-2002 that was a success in the Holy Cross Subregion. For information, call more about fisheries and could be the link Larry Bredeman, Director of Transportation toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally I decided to pursue a degree in Fisheries these remote communities need to create a at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3272. after realizing I could incorporate a way of better partnership between Tribal life into a career and I hope we inspired organizations and the United States Fish and these youth in similar ways. After all, the Wildlife. The joined forces can work nd youth were given the perfect setting to together to manage subsistence fisheries. TCC’s 2 Wellness Summit conduct their studies. Youth were trained “Preserving Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” Employment and By Perry Ahsogeak, Wellness Program Director Training Staff The Gathering including planning, youth initiatives, Tanana Chiefs Conference met with culturally based education and other Tribal Chiefs and Administrators in esteem-building initiatives such as Fairbanks on August 11-12, 2003 at the cultural or spirit camps Chena River Convention Center for a The funds cannot be used to purchase second Wellness Conference. The meeting buildings or land, construct or perform was designed to build on the successful 2002 major renovation of facilities, or to pay for Wellness Conference, creating opportunities long-term leases. for further tribal dialogue about wellness. TCC staff have noted concerns Participants heard about activities being regarding descriptions of projects in the conducted across the region, and discussed quarterly reports. In many cases, village how to align program activities with the projects have not been described in a way goals and allowable costs established under that clearly fits the allowable uses of these the grant. funds. This is a particular issue under the The Alaska Native Sobriety and Alcohol fourth category, covering sobriety Control Program being administered by the initiatives, where the grant language is open Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) will be to interpretation. A participant entering its third funding year in October recommended that tribal officials should Gloria Riley, Employment and Training Donna L. Scott, Director 2003. It is likely to be the last funding cycle explain the rules and goals of this program Coordinator under the current program. to the Elders and get their approval and Allowable Grant Uses opinions. AFN’s description of the Alaska Native For that reason, participants in the Sobriety and Alcohol Control Program Wellness Gathering brainstormed many specifically includes authorization to use common activities and discussed what does grant funds for: and does not appear to qualify as an • Employing VPSOs and acquiring law allowable expense. Group discussions were enforcement equipment or services effective in planning for the future of the • Supporting local option and alcohol Wellness program. Culture and spirit control efforts camps, sobriety dinners, wellness walks, • Developing and implementing runs, and various celebrations to recognize restorative justice programs success, traditional reunification, and • Furthering the sobriety movement, sobriety were brain-stormed. Survey to Improve Services By Perry Ahsogeak, Wellness Program Director The Wellness Program and Old Minto your perceptions of the services and Family Recovery Camp is inviting you to resources available in your community to Nina Opferman, Administrative Gerald Woods, Tribal Employment participate in our wellness needs assessment prevent or treat substance abuse and mental Assistant Rights Office and satisfaction survey. This survey is health issues. Your responses will help us designed to help us better understand the create programs that address the things that wellness needs for the region as well as each you feel are issues in our community. As a community, assess the effectiveness of bonus, all community members that programs that are currently provided, and complete the survey will be enrolled in a free evaluate the need for new programs that drawing for a drum of fuel. are not currently available. The surveys are in the process of being The survey is asking for your opinion mailed to the tribal office or addresses that on whether you believe the current focus of have been provided. Please return the survey your local wellness funds is appropriate and in the postage paid envelope or if your if the services offered are accomplishing community is gathering the assessments Terri Paul-Smoke, Program Assistant worthwhile goals. Additionally we are asking please place it in the container at the tribal your assistance in identifying other urgent office. The drawing will be held September needs. We ask that you fill out the survey 30, 2003. If you have any questions about whether or not you or your children have the survey, please call Perry Ahsogeak toll- participated in any of the services. Section 1 free at 800-478-6822 ext. 3008. of the survey is specific to each village Thank you for your time and assistance wellness program and Section 2 is to get in completing this important survey. SEPTEMBER 2003 •THE COUNCIL • PAGE 7 HEALTH Long-Term Alcohol Abuse Damages Memory This article was republished with permission of the Addiction Technology Transfer Center National Office.

Researchers know that heavy alcohol what is known about heavy drinkers’ Colin R. Martin, a lecturer in mental performance was observed even within use damages retrospective memory. New retrospective memory function is based on health in the Department of Health Sciences what is generally acknowledged as ‘safe’ research shows that heavy alcohol use also laboratory research, and even less is known at the University of York, and Honorary drinking levels,” he said. “Recommended damages day-to-day memory, which about alcohol’s effects on normal memory- Consultant Psychologist to the Addiction levels may be ‘safe’ for the liver, but we can’t includes prospective memory, related tasks that people perform from day Service and National Monitoring and be sure that they represent ‘safe’ limits for remembering to do things at some future to day. Evaluation Center of the Salvation Army, optimum brain function.” point in time, and everyday memory, For this study, researchers collected said these results “contribute to the increasing Martin suggested that the role of remembering to complete daily activities. data from 763 participants (465 female, 298 evidence base that a diverse range of deficits in day-to-day memory Research has shown that heavy alcohol males) using a specially created website on memory impairment is associated with performance should be explored and use clearly damages retrospective memory, the University of Westminster web server. excessive alcohol consumption. The extended to those individuals receiving that is, the learning, retention and retrieval Memory was assessed using two self-report underlying mechanisms responsible for treatment for alcohol-dependency of previously presented materials. Less is questionnaires: the Prospective Memory memory deficits associated with excessive problems. “Memory deficits are common known about the effects of alcohol on day- Questionnaire (PMQ), and the Everyday alcohol consumption are multi-factorial in individuals who are receiving in-patient to-day memory function, specifically, Memory Questionnaire (EMQ). The PMQ and, in many areas of specific deficit, and community treatment for alcohol prospective memory, remembering to do has three sub-scales that measure short- continue to be currently poorly understood. dependency,” he noted, “yet assessment of things at some future point in time, and term habitual PM, long-term episodic PM, This study is important because it everyday memory performance in this everyday memory, remembering to and internally cued PM. Respondents also extends our knowledge of alcohol-related group has yet to be established. This is complete daily activities. A study in the June self-reported their level of use of alcohol and memory impairment to everyday situations particularly important because a number issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and other drugs by responding to the UEL that most people can identify with, in of the counseling and relapse prevention Experimental Research uses internet-based (University of East London) Recreational contrast to laboratory-based memory therapies and strategies used in this group methodology to find that heavy alcohol Drug Use Questionnaire. tasks.” “We also found a significant increase are reliant on a fundamentally intact consumption has a negative impact on day- The results indicate a dose-dependent in reported memory problems by people memory system.” to-day memory. effect of alcohol use on day-to-day memory who claimed to drink between 10 and 25 Funding for this Addiction Science “Prospective memory impairments function.“We found that heavy users of units each week in comparison to non- Made Easy project is provided by the include things like forgetting to send alcohol reported making consistently more drinkers,” added Ling. One unit of alcohol Addiction Technology Transfer Center, someone a birthday card on time, or errors than those who said that they is the equivalent of 10 ml of ethanol; roughly under the cooperative agreement from the forgetting what you’re going to say in the consumed little or no alcohol,” said Ling. “A half a pint of beer or one small glass of Center for Substance Abuse Treatment of middle of a sentence,” said Jonathan Ling, typical heavy user of alcohol reported over wine. Current United Kingdom guidelines SAMHSA. a senior lecturer in psychology at the 30 percent more memory-related problems for maximum safe units per week are 21 units for women and 28 units for men. “This This article was reprinted from http:// University of Teesside in the United than someone who reportedly did not drink, www.nattc.org/ with their permission. Kingdom and first author of the paper. and almost 25 percent more problems than is an important finding, as it indicates that even if people are using alcohol within the Articles were written based on the following “Everyday memory failures include those who stated they drank only small published research: amounts of alcohol. limits suggested by United Kingdom telling someone a story that you’ve told government guidelines, these individuals still Ling, J., Heffernan, T.M., Buchanan, them before, or forgetting where things are Deficits in everyday memory included report experiencing memory problems.” T., Rodgers, J., Scholey, A.B., Parrott, A.C. normally kept. Obviously we all forget problems with remembering whether they Martin concurred. “Interested readers (June 2003). Effects of alcohol on subjective things from time to time, however, heavy had done something, like locking the door ratings of prospective and everyday users of alcohol make noticeably more of or switching off the lights or oven, or may wish to reflect on the relevance of government recommended ‘safe’ drinking memory deficits. Alcoholism: Clinical & these mistakes than either non- or low- forgetting where they put items like house Experimental Research, 27(6), 970-975. users of alcohol.” Ling added that most of keys.” limits, since decreased memory Baby Walkers Harmful Pete Wallis Receives By Matilda Dayton, Program Assistant, Health Services National Award According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of By Matilda Dayton, Program Assistant, Health Services Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI), baby walkers send more than 14,000 children to the hospital every year and 34 children have died since 1973 because of In June 2003 Pete Wallis traveled to Reno, Nevada to receive the John G. Todd Award baby walkers. They have called for a ban on the manufacture and sale of baby walkers during the National Environmental Health Association Annual Education Conference. with wheels. The award was established in order to recognize significant career contributions by For years it was thought that baby walkers enable pre-locomotor children to walk individuals in achieving the United States Public Health Service (PHS) mission of improving and are thus an enrichment tool. A study done by Andrea Seigel was published in the the Nation’s health through the practice of environmental health. This award is bestowed Journal of Development and Behavioral Pediatrics has found that 109 infants between the upon an individual with a genuine sense of public service whose career is notable for ages of 6and 15 months indicated that infants with walker experience, sat, crawled, and accomplishments in the technical or professional fields of environmental health. Such walked later than those with no walker experience and scored lower on the Bayley Scales of achievements include management and leadership of a major environmental health Mental and Motor skills. Because children cannot see to coordinate their legs and lower component of the PHS; a highly significant achievement in environmental health research body, walkers may cause a delay in development, not an enhancement. or program direction, administration or implementation; a series of significant environmental health contributions that have resulted in a major impact on public health. Diabetes Affects Stomach Congratulations Pete! Keep up the good work! By Sarah Vent, Registered Nurse, Diabetes Educator, Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center Diabetes can affect the way your your blood glucose under good control. Long-time Health Employees Recognized gastrointestinal (GI) tract works. Your GI Poor blood glucose control can worsen all tract is the group of organs responsible for the problems associated with diabetes and On April 24, 2003, the following 5 Years the ingestion, digestion, and absorption of make you GI symptoms worse. If you Health Services employees were Lavern Alexander, YTCS food as well as the elimination of unwanted answer yes to any of the following questions, recognized for their tenure at TCC: Margie Ambrose, CHA, Huslia waste products. Your GI tract consists of you should discuss the possible GI Deanne Bostian, Contract Health, your mouth and throat, stomach, and problems with your health care provider. 25 Years Steve Carr, PA, CAIHC intestines, your liver and pancreas are also •Do you have persistent problems with Sylvia Pitka, CHP, Northway Doreen David, CHR, Huslia considered part of your GI tract and can be constipation or diarrhea? Mary Flora, RN, CAIHC affected by diabetes. •Have you lost weight unexpectedly? 20 Years Martha Schrock, Quality Because diabetes can affect many part •Do you fell full when you have not eaten None Management of your GI tract in many different ways, very much or soon after you start eating a Renee Legan, WIC, CAIHC 15 Years symptoms may vary greatly, which often meal? Clarissa Maxfield, Dental Ruth Evans, Case Manager, leads to difficulty in diagnosing and treating Barbara O’Donnell, Dental •Do you feel frequent pains? Counseling Center the specific problems. The symptoms that Laverne Schafer, Dental •Do you frequently have heart burn pains? Eileen Roberts, Appointment Clerk, you may experience when diabetes affects Lois Smith, CHR, Tok your GI tract include pain on swallowing, •Is it painful to swallow food at any time? Susie Nikolai, CHP, Kaltag soar throat, heartburn, fullness, bloating, •Do you have unusual pain in your throat 10 Years Anita Taylor, Medical Services, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and Sharon Agnes, CHA, Nulato and /or stomach area? Bryant Waldeck, Contract Health, constipation. In addition to the symptoms, •Are your blood glucose values Royleen Andrews, McGrath Health Center Debbie Reed, CHAP GI problems can definitely cause your blood unexpectedly high or low after meals and Jonah Bolt, Business Office Mildred Evans, Paul Williams glucose levels to fluctuate even when your between widely spaced meals? diet, exercise, and therapeutic regimens are Doreen Boyd, Health Records, House followed consistently. Cheryl Denton, LPN, CAIHC Maggie Clark, CHAP For more information about what you Although there are many different Dorothea Lord, Business Office can do to prevent diabetes, call Sarah Vent Mary Jo Reynolds, RN, types of therapies for treating GI-related toll-free at 800-478-6822 or locally at problems, it is extremely important to get (907) 451-6682 ext. 3766. PAGE 8 • THE COUNCIL • SEPTEMBER 2003 HEALTH If the Lights Go Out Dental Clinic Travel Article from Golden Valley Electric Association

Because we live in Interior Alaska where Knife or razor blades September floods, earthquakes, severe storms and Garden hose for siphoning and fire Date Village Dental Employee extreme cold come with the territory, it’s fighting Tent always a good idea to be prepared. Keep an 15-19 Anaktuvuk Pass Barb, Hygienist emergency supply kit in an easily accessible Cooking Camp stove, propane appliances 15-19 Chalkyitsik Zimmerman, Dentist place and make sure every member of your Fuel for cooking (camp stove fuel, etc.) 15-19 Nenana Brown, Dentist household knows where to find it. Plastic knives, forks and spoons 22-26 Chalkyitsik Barb, Hygienist Emergencies and natural disasters can’t be Paper plates and cups 22-26 Hughes Zimmerman, Dentist prevented, but they can be anticipated. Be 22-26 Nenana Brown, Dentist Paper towels nd prepared by making your own outage kit Heavy duty aluminum foil 29-Oct. 2 Hughes Zimmerman, Dentist 29-Oct. 2nd Nenana Brown, Dentist and include the following: Tools and supplies nd Axe, shovel, broom and woodcutting saw 29-Oct. 2 Nenana Monica, Hygienist Water (1 gallon per person per day) Crescent wrench for turning off gas First aid kit freshly stocked Screwdriver, pliers and hammer October Food (packaged, canned and baby food) Coil of 1/2" rope Non-electric can opener Plastic tape and sheeting Date Village Dental Employee Blankets and sleeping bags Toys for children Portable radio/flashlight and extra Be prepared by gathering together a 6-10 Tok Barb, Hygienist batteries few supplies to make the best of an 6-10 Allakaket Etter, Dentist Fire extinguisher ABC type uncomfortable situation. Prepare enough 6-10 Galena Zimmerman, Dentist Food and water for pets supplies to provide for your family for at 13-17 McGrath Hewitt, Dentist Money least 72 hours. 13-17 Allakaket Zimmerman, Dentist Sanitation Supplies 13-17 Allakaket Monica, Hygienist Bar Soap, liquid detergent and shampoo Also, standby electric power from 20-24 McGrath Hewitt, Dentist Toothpaste generators can keep your essential electrical 20-24 Allakaket Lovejoy, Dentist Toilet paper equipment operational during power 27-31 Tanacross Kim, Dentist Household bleach outages. This “insurance” can help you 27-31 Kaltag Monica, Hygienist Safety avoid inconvenience and financial loss. Comfort Some people have critical health care needs Candles with holders/chimneys and as well, which are life-threatening if power matches is out for an extended period of time. Change of clothing I Want to Hear From You! New Program Assistant Ensuring Patient Advocacy Dallas-Lee Brower has joined Community Health Aide Program as the TCC Health Services would like to offer you services that are easy and accessible. Program Assistant. After attending University By notifying me of your concerns, I can look into ways to improve the health care of Alaska, Fairbanks, in 1994, she later moved delivery system. I can also help by providing additional information and answering to the North Slope Borough. There, she questions you may have or I can mail you a Patient Handbook. worked for the Department of Health and If you have concerns or compliments about the services provided or referral Social Services with Early Intervention/ILP, process, I want to hear from you. A system is currently in place for tracking, Developmental Disabilities, Group and monitoring, and trending all complaints. A follow-up response is normally provided Education, and the Women’s and Children’s within 30 days. Program. She also traveled to Interior villages to assist some of those who earned their Child Virginia Sweetsir, Patient Advocate Development Associates credential. Phone: 800-478-7822, (907) 452-8251, When not working, she found time to or (907) 451-6682 ext. 3143 volunteer with several organizations and was Email: [email protected] on the Village Spill Response Team. She Private fax: (907) 459-3849 married and moved to Fairbanks, where she Mail: 201 First Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99701 and her husband bought a home and have the patter of eight paws around the house. Curb Your Sweet Tooth Chief Andrew Isaac Health By Monica P. Rueben, Hygienist, TCC Dental Clinic Center and Pharmacy Hours For many of us there’s no such thing and snacks. Try to make the same choices Effective March 1, 2003 the Weekend and Holiday Clinic at Chief as too sweet. But too much sugar in our for your kids, Use these tips instead of Andrew Isaac Health Center are as follows: diets cannot only lead to obesity, it’s also a buying junk food snacks. major cause of tooth decay. In your mouth, When choosing food, take care when sugary foods react with bacteria to produce reading labels. Sucrose or regular table Clinic Hours: an acid that destroys tooth enamel. These sugar is known by several names depending Walk- acid attacks last up to twenty minutes – on its origin and how it was processed. Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-7:30 pm Ins need enough time to do serious damage to your Sugars have names that end in “ose,” like Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm to check teeth. glucose or dextrose, fructose of levulose, in 45 Try the following tips to curb your lactose or maltose. Other natural and Weekend Clinic: minutes desire for sweets. Start by eating plain processed foods that are very high in sugars prior to cookies instead of chocolate cookies and include corn syrup, sugar cane syrup, honey, Friday 5:00 pm-8:00 pm closing. cakes. Experiment with recipes by gradually sweetened condensed milk, and even Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am-5:30 pm reducing the amount of sugar you put in ketchup. Watch for traps – fat-free foods Holidays 10:00 am-5:30 pm meals – most foods can take up to a 75% may have substituted plenty of sugar for The clinic is closed the last Friday of each month from 8:00 am- reduction in sugar! Eat fresh fruit for dessert flavor! 9:00 am. Sugar in Your Soda Pop Pharmacy Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:00 am 6:00 pm The United States Department of Agriculture identifies soft Wednesday 9:00 am 6:00 pm drinks as a major source of added sugar. Many consumers are Friday 8:00 am 4:30 pm unaware that some non-diet soft drinks contain as many as 11 teaspoons of sugar per serving. The pharmacy is closed weekends/holidays, prescriptions can be filled after hours at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. SEPTEMBER 2003 •THE COUNCIL • PAGE 9 SPECIAL FEATURE Alaska Natives in the Military

A Clinton M. Andrews B C A Navy; Mayport-Jacksonville, Florida Dawn R. Cooper Jonathan Anderson Parents: John Harris &Royleen Jason Brower Air Force; Iraq Air Force; Tinker Air Force Base, OK Andrews Marines; Camp LeJeune, North Carolina Parents: Margaret Craft Parents: Harvey & Connie Anderson Grandparents: (Late) John Sr. & Celia Parents: Carla Romero Grandparents: Lilly Pitka Home: Delta Junction, Alaska Andrews Grandparents: Robert E. & Florence Fogg Home: McGrath, Alaska Home: Fairbanks, Alaska Home: Lincoln, Illinois

C E H I Tanna Carter Bernard Edwards Sidney R. Huntington Galen Isaac Alaska Air National Guard; Fairbanks Army; Ft. Lewis, Washington Army; Iraq Air Force; Tallil, Iraq Parents: Tom & Sharon Huntington Parents: Ron Carter, Hanna Carter Parents: Margie Edwards, Robert Edwards Parents: Jerry & Arlene Isaac Grandparents: Sidney & Angela Grandparents: Charlie Sr. & Annie Grandparents: Alfred & Theresa Grandparents: Fred & (late) Bella Demit Huntington, Billy & Flora Demoski Home: Minto Demientieff, Theodore & Ida Edwards Martha & (late) Oscar Isaac Home: Holy Cross, Alaska Home: Galena, Alaska Home: Tanacross, Alaska

I N W Alden Walker Jr. Brandon Nicolaus S Marines; Camp LeJeune, North Carolina John O. Isaac Sr. Army; Ft. Bragg, North Carolina Marines; Camp LeJeune, North Carolina Jason Standish Parents: Alden & Judi Walker Parents: Roselynn Isaac Parents: Roger & Stella Nicolaus Army; Iraq Grandparents: (late) Nicholas & Margaret Grandparents: (late) Oscar & Martha Isaac Grandparents: Ella B. Smith Parents: Betty & Lynn Weeks Demientieff, Irene & (late) James Walker Jr. Home: Tanacross, Alaska Home: Fairbanks, Alaska Grandparents: Patty Hall Home: Holy Cross, Alaska Home: Fairbanks, Alaska PAGE 10 • THE COUNCIL • SEPTEMBER 2003 SUBREGIONAL NEWS Alaska Natives in the Military continued... FSG T Michael P. Fields Luke M. Gilmore William F. Smith Cheryl L. Thomas Army; Mosul, Iraq Navy; Rota, Spain Army; Colorado Navy; Spain Parents: Wilfred P. & Audrey Fields Parents: D’Brianne Friemering, Thomas Parents: Chief Marie Smith (last full- Parents: Linda Wood, Albert Wood Sr. Grandparents: Charlotte Douthit, Gilmore, Thomas Kelley Jr. blooded Eyak) Grandparents: Nora Thomas William Douthit, Jay (Godfather) Grandparents: Donn & Thelma Baker Grandparents: Chief Scare Stevens, Minnie Home: Palmer, Alaska Home: 17 miles north Ft. Yukon, Alaska Dale & Corrine Friemering, Theckla Wright Stevens Home: Anchorage, Alaska Home: Valdez, Alaska

Galena’s All-Stars Athabascan Parenting A Summer of Success Video Coming Soon By Heather Taggard

The Resource Center for Parents and from the Resource Center for Parents and Children and 360 productions have created Children (RCPC) make the video an a video titled “Ch’eghutsen- Athabascan excellent resource for any parent or Parenting.” This video emphasizes the concerned community member. importance of raising a family based on the The producers have been working hard Athabascan values set forth by Elders and to tailor the video to the needs of Native is due to be released soon. families. “Our vision was to make a Adeline Peter-Raboff of Arctic Village parenting video that was culturally relevant said “Healthy families are the cornerstone and fits the needs of the Athabascan of a healthy, vibrant community. Healthy community. RCPC is a great resource, they families and encouragement of family were very helpful in providing me parenting values has been one of the primary concerns information and questions to ask the of Elders in the Interior Alaska region.” families we chose for the interviews,” said According to the Elders, every Athabascan Odin Peter-Raboff. “After meeting with Galena’s 2003 Little League teams, the these kids; they played each game pouring is responsible for all other Athabascans for RCPC’s Marilyn Eggleston for the first time, “White Soxs” and “Angels,” would like to sweat. The game was tied during the 6th the survival of cultural spirit and the values I knew we had a common vision of what we extend their deepest appreciation and thanks inning, Clifton hit a home run, with two and tradition through which it survives. wanted for the Athabascan parenting for all the support they received from the players on base. In the 7th inning, Nulato The project encourages the role of video.”It is being reviewed by RCPC, following people for making their season a had last bat but the Angels held them down spirituality, family and community in raising CAIHC Mental Health, Walking Strong great success: Elders, parents, community and won the championship by four runs. healthy children. Elders from Minto, Huslia, Committee, and TCC Head Start. A members of Galena and local businesses for The last tournament was held in Koyukuk. and other Interior villages share life community viewing is being organized for their contributions; cooks for the team During last game Nulato beat the Angels; experiences to emphasize the importance of November. travelers, Rocky Thurmond, Pam Pitka, because of the double elimination rules, raising a strong family. “Hunting and fishing The Alaska Children’s Trust funds the Shanda Huntington and Claudette Green; Galena got another chance to play and won have always been my favorite things to do video, and is currently funding 20 programs boat drivers John and Darlene Billings, Joe the championship tournament. but when I do it with my parents it means a and projects throughout the state of Alaska, Demoski/Evelyn Burgett, Chris and Al lot more,” said Chief Andy Jimmie, an Elder three of which are in Fairbanks. Sommer, Joyce Huntington/Darryl D., Terry from Minto. 2003 Results RCPC will disseminate complimentary and Nancy Pitka and Ed and Pam Pitka, “Ch’eghutsen’,” is the core value in the copies for a limited time after which they Galena Little League: Gary and Judy Burgett. Thanks to Tanana Athabascan way of life and a key element in will be available to purchase; 600 copies will Air Service and Warbelow’s Air Venture for lst–Galena Angels nd raising children. As Minto resident Sarah be produced. For more information contact the travel discounts. Thank you to Nulato 2 –Nulato Wolves Silas said, “It’s a very strong word- RCPC at (907) 456-2866 or visit our website for providing housing and meals: Brother 3rd–Galena White Soxs Ch’eghustsen’. It’s love. Not like the word at www.rcpcfairbanks.org. Bob R., Randy Pitka and Martha Demoski. Nulato Little League: worldly love, but very, very supreme love. In Huslia thanks to: Fred and Audrey Bifelt, 1st–Galena Angels That’s very important Lorraine Vent and Tim Pavlick. A big thank 2nd–Nulato 1 to show love to you to both communities for the big 3rd–Nulato II children, especially cookout everyday. Thanks to Koyukuk for when they’re small and the hospitality during their tournament. Huslia Little League: st growing up. If they Both teams had a lot of fun traveling to the 1 –Galena Angels 2nd-Nulato Wolves know they’re loved different villages and made long lasting they’ll pay more 3rd–Huslia Huslers friends. attention to what you The White Soxs were a young team but Koyukuk Little League: tell them. A little love st played like champs. They placed 3rd in the 1 –Galena Angels, will do great and Galena Little League Tournament, Koyukuk 2nd–Nulato Wolves, mighty things.” These Tourney and ended the season like major 3rd–Galena White Soxs traditional values in leaguers. The last two games in the Koyukuk cooperation with the Tourney were very exciting. The score was experienced guidance tied most of the game against Nulato #2 Angels and they had to play an extra inning. Galena had the last bat and they needed only one Ashley Burgett Kyle Huntington run to win. The last three batters were Dano Hummy Burgett Trevor Marshall (they walked her), Raymond (gets on base), Shane Clark Clifton Pitka and Stacey (hits a line-drive) who sent Dano Gordon Davis Ethan Sam McGrath’s Biggest Cucumbers home to get the winning run. Their next Becca Huntington Leann Sommer major league game was against Nulato #1. David Huntington Brenden Sweetsir The White Sox were not going to go down Garrett Huntington Tyler Yoder easy; they held the lead until the 5th inning and Nulato #1 scored and won the game by John Harris Sr. checks in to only two runs. White Soxs make sure the green house is actually containing his The Angels pulled off a great season. Matt Billings Felicia Kayotuk Nulato #1 gave them some tough monstrous cucumber Dudeo Burgett Dillon Pitka plants. This picture was competition in every tournament this Stacey Captain Lorena Pitka taken in the middle of summer. During the Galena Little League Quinten Demoski Brian Settle Tournament they were down by 11 runs in Kevin Evans Richard Sommer summer. The Harris family the championship game. They finally pull Jack Green Tyler Sears shared their cucumber together in the 6th inning and made 17 runs Raymond Huntington Dano Thurmond bounty with the McGrath and ended up winning by four runs. Our Shaylene Huntington community. next tournament was in Nulato, once again they were down, but came back to win by Coach Nancy Pitka and Assistant four runs. In Huslia, the temperature was Coach Kyle Davis wishes to thank everyone in the 80’s. The heat didn’t seem to stop for their support and encouragement. SEPTEMBER 2003 • THE COUNCIL • PAGE 11 SUBREGIONAL NEWS Great Fun, Great Harvesting our Resources Leaders, Great Elders By Poppy Harris, Kuskokwim Subregional Director By Polly Carr, AYEA Program Manager Now residents are busy moose hunting, getting ready to fill the freezers up for the winter. We are so blessed having the resources that Local residents have been busy fishing we do. I have always felt that if hard times and putting up fish for the winter. As you come, people in the villages will survive can see from the picture, Peter Snow of better than the people in the cities. We rely McGrath had a good catch. He caught 40 on our natural resources like fish, moose, silvers and a few dog fish in a 12-hour birds, berries and our gardens to name a The Alaska Youth for Environmental example, each day Aaron Solomon (in period. Peter stated this is the best run he few. When we lived in the city we relied on Action (AYEA) program hosted our fourth TCC’s youth program) taught our group has ever had. Carr’s or Safeway. Don’t get me wrong-I annual “Summer Get Together” in some Athabascan words that had to do with People around our subregions enjoy enjoy all the things from the store and we Fairbanks and Old Minto in August. Each the environment, animals, and respect. the fish. There is a lot of work involved when buy other staples there like flour, sugar, year, the AYEA program of National Odin commented “All the hard work and you are smoking, canning and putting up toilet paper, goodies, etcetera. If the stores Wildlife Federation hosts this “back to time put into this event was well worth it, run out of things and people are not able to school” training event for emerging high fish to enjoy throughout the year. You can’t and the greatest thing is the youth of the hardly beat having fish strips in the middle get the supplies they need and they have school environmental leaders. The theme TCC region and the state benefit from it” and location of the event rotate each year. of winter. lost the knowledge of how to live off the There were other “leaders” that This year’s theme focused on subsistence There was a time when we were living land there will be a lot of hurting people. and the environmental issues surrounding emerged from this event beyond the student Villages still have the knowledge of how trainers. Lisa Kangas from Fairbanks and in Wasilla and my sister in Southeast would it. to utilize the natural resources and that Alfred Stalker from Point Lay taught our always send kipper (canned smoked fish) From August 4-10, approximately 30 group some of their traditional Native that she made, in our Christmas box. When knowledge is till being passed down to the high school students from as far north as dances during our stay at Old Minto. All of that box came in I felt like a kid at Christmas future generations. We have much to be Point Lay to as far south as Point Baker the students had something genuine to offer getting the gift I wanted. We don’t always thankful for and to be proud of. May you gathered together in Fairbanks and Old to the event. realize how much we will miss something have a bountiful harvest of the resources Minto to learn how healthy water, land, and you have been blessed with. wildlife/game affect the way we live. The As a result of the “Summer Get until we don’t have it anymore. It’s group traveled to the Calypso Farm and Together,” many of the students will embark important to protect our resources. Ecology Center in Ester to learn about on some local environmental projects like organic gardening and perform a starting a recycling program at school or community service project; tested water addressing water quality issues. Some quality at Twin Bear Lakes; and hosted guest students have elected to take part in the McGrath’s August Fair speakers to address toxics and subsistence AYEA statewide project on “hunter education” to address some issues involved foods, subsistence allocation, and the By Poppy Harris, Kuskokwim Subregional Director political issues surrounding subsistence. Every year McGrath has its annual August fair where people come and enjoy the They traveled to Old Minto to exhibits of vegetables, crafts, food, etcetera, and to see who won ribbons. This year learn about traditional subsistence there were crafts that the children made though the culture awareness camp that was practices. During their stay they put on with the wellness funds. The community also enjoyed the tables where people learned how to collect materials to sold their crafts, baked goods and other items. The fair is always a good place to sell make birch bark crafts, sampled items, socialize and just have fun. some subsistence foods like moose, The Malone’s brought over 2 goats and a sheep that the children enjoyed. The helped move garbage, and toured the Emergency Technical Training squad sold cotton candy, the basketball teams sold village to locate old fuel drums for hamburgers, the library sold snow cones, the Hotel Bed and Breakfast sold rib removal. Some students got the chance to test water quality with Paul dinners, and there were a variety of other tables of crafts and food. There was live Erhart from Yukon River Intertribal entertainment, the Yukon Fiddlers band played, and several people did piano recitals. Watershed Council. Elders at the There were cake walks and door prizes. The fair was enjoyed by all. event called the AYEA students a Odin Peter does the “twist” as AYEA student “mixed bag of candy” describing the trainer Aaron Solomon looks on. positive energy and diversity of the group. with sport hunting and wildlife management Elder Katie John opened the event to practices. share her personal story about defending Not all of the projects will reach their her traditional fishing grounds. Chief Evon goals, but the process of bringing these Peter from Arctic Village closed the event awesome young leaders together to learn with his inspiring stories of youth action. about each other and develop an The students in our group were some understanding for our environment is a of the most impressive leaders I have ever huge accomplishment in itself and it is met. Students Jesyca Shores (Galena), Rita something they can all be proud of! Goodrich (Anchorage), Megan McBride I’d like to extend a special thank you to Mary Dementoff sold her crafts with (Anchorage), Ali Sheikh (St. Mary’s), Aaron Tanana Chiefs Conference, especially all the Solomon (Grayling), Alice Smoker support and involvement we received from the help of her grand-daughter, who (Juneau), and Adrian Ryan (Homer) served Odin Peter-Raboff, Casey Hahn, Stephanie was visiting from out of town.

as student trainers. Each one of them had Bennett, and Rachel Graybeal. TCC’s Mike ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ to put together a session or presentation Smith and Sam Dementieff also spoke on during the week and they were all inspiring, our subsistence panel which was very positive role models for their peers. For informative for the youth. If you know of a high school student who is interested in the environment and eager to lead, you can contact us at (907) 339-3907 or email [email protected]. AYEA is hosting an upcoming “Rural The McGrath Community Fair Train the Trainer” for key youth Association brought in the “Yukon and adult leaders in target rural Fiddlers Band.” The Elder is Berchman communities on February 6-8, Esmailka, along with Billy McCarty and

2004. This event will train youth ○○○○ Willy McCarty, and Dave Terhune of and adults how to start Takotna played bass. environmental youth programs and conduct leadership trainings in their Elder Susie Silas and AYEA member Jesyca Shores communities. Hannah Maloneof Mossy Meadows Pet Haven stripping bark for the birchbark canoes the group tends her sheep in preparation for their debut. made. PAGE 12 • THE COUNCIL • SEPTEMBER 2003 NEWS FOR OUR PEOPLE A Special Pairing Only Girl On Junior League Juneau teen, locally owned Arabian aim for national shows Sheylynn Attla, 12, is the daughter of Michael and Tamara By Andrew Krueger, Juneau Empire © 2003 Roberts of Fairbanks and George Attla Jr. originally from Huslia. Her grandparents are Agnes Osltund of Nulato/Fairbanks and Equestrian Center in the Mendenhall the late Eliza and George Attla Huslia. Shey is in the 7th grade at Valley advertises Ralston’s willingness to Randy Smith Middle School and is the only girl on the Junior do chores, cleaning stalls and the like, to Football League this year. She is doing great and holding her earn money toward transportation, own. When asked “Why football?” She replied “My mom asked boarding and show expenses. But with the me to be a cheerleader, and I told her ‘no way, I want to play cost of a season of competition in the football-not be a cheerleader.’ This is my first year of football, neighborhood of $10,000, Ralston is and I love it!” Shey will be just as busy as a grown-up, saying hoping some local individuals or “when I grow up I want to be a carpenter and a veterinarian businesses might be willing to provide because I love animals so much.” some assistance. Ralston, the daughter of Bill and Laura Ralston, started her riding by taking some lessons at Swampy Acres a few years back. That has progressed to a near-daily presence at the Fairweather stables. In the recently revived story of “Just the feel of it is fun,” Ralston said Seabiscuit, a Depression-era horse, owner, of why she has kept with the sport. trainer and jockey-each with a tale of woe- Melvin saw Ralston practicing-saw the find themselves brought together on a talent needed to bring out the best in magical journey into the annals of Khasmir Blue-and recruited and coached horseracing. her to ride in junior competition. Juneau teenager Tracy Ralston and an Khasmir Blue is the daughter of Arabian mare named Khasmir Blue may Khemosabi, a highly decorated Arabian New Leader at Bureau not have the excess baggage of those figures stallion renowned for his intelligence, from the past, but theirs is nonetheless a though now deceased, is immortalized in fortuitous pairing with a shot at advancing plastic models, artwork and even an internet of Indian Affairs to a national stage. tribute page. Melvin also owns another of Kathy Wilson is the new Field Representative Earlier this summer, Ralston, 13, and Khemosabi’s daughters. (formerly titled “Superintendent”) for the Fairbanks Khasmir Blue were named show champions In training, Ralston rides Khasmir Blue Bureau of Indian Affairs Office. She is replacing among riders age 13 and younger in the just three times a week, in 15-minute Samuel Demientieff who has retired after 10 years Western Pleasure class at the Arabian Horse increments. If the horse is asked to perform- of service. She is the first woman to serve at this level Breeders Association of Oregon’s Summer to stay on top of its game-any longer, it for the office. Show in Salem, Ore. “You know how some loses focus and gets defensive. people are natural show people, or natural Kathy is responsible for the administration of At the Oregon competition, Ralston the contracts with the Interior and North Slope artists? When (Ralston) sits on a horse, you and Khasmir Blue competed in the Western Tribes who contract through the Fairbanks office. can see it’s there,” said Juneau resident Pleasure class-in which the saddle and Melanie Melvin, who owns Khasmir Blue movements come from the tradition of She will ensure compliance and promoting self- and coaches Ralston. “Some people perch cowboys and trail riding. determination through training and technical on a horse, but she sinks into a horse. assistance. The horse is shown in several different “She makes a horse feel comfortable.” gaits, all with a goal of making the Kathy was born and raised in Fairbanks, an The success in Oregon qualified the duo movement look effortless. “They’re being Athabascan Indian and Doyon shareholder. Her to compete at the Arabian Horse judged on a walk, a trot and a lope,” Ralston grandparents are the late Louise Minook of Tanana Association’s Youth Nationals event in said. and Samuel Harper of Eagle. Her parents are the Albuquerque, NM, which was held last Success requires a well-trained horse late Louise Harper of Nenana and Walter “Tex” Blair of Texas. To contact the Bureau of month. It also qualified them for the and a rider who knows how to get the horse Indian Affairs Office, call toll-free 800-822-3596 or locally (907) 456-0229. Canadian Nationals in Regina, to work-without looking like it’s working. Saskatchewan. “Figure taking a 1,200-pound animal But Ralston and Khasmir Blue were and trying to get its mind working with Social Workers Conference unable to attend because of the high cost of yours,” Melvin said. “If the horse looks transportation and boarding. There was forced, it’s not going to place.” not enough time to raise the funds necessary “The Power of Stories: Narratives of to get Ralston and Khasmir Blue from Asked how she gets Khasmir Blue to Juneau to the distant events. respond in the ring, Ralston said there’s a Hope, Courage and Change” simple explanation: “I just be nice.” For more So the duo’s sights have been set on information about sponsoring Ralston and The National Association of Social Friday, October 3rd. Epston is recognized planning for next summer, and making Khasmir Blue, contact Ralston at (907) 789- preparations so that they can complete a Work Alaska Chapter proudly announces worldwide as a co-founder of the Narrative 1060. th full season of competition. its 17 Annual Conference, to be held Therapy movement. A well-published October 1-3, 2003 at the Hotel Captain Cook author and social worker, he is co-director in Anchorage. Over 200 social workers of the Family Therapy Centre in New employed in every corner of the state and Zealand. Fairbanks allied professionals including psychologists, The NASW Conference will also include licensed marriage and family therapists, concurrent sessions on Friday, October 3rd Native Association counselors, case managers on Elder Care and Ethics and nurses will attend the Over two hundred social and a cross cultural conference. workshop on Tolerance: Johnson O’Malley Preschool The theme of the workers employed in Ending Racism. The fall session for three and four year-old students began September 8, 2003 and NASW conference is “The every corner of the state Among the enrollment remains continuous; however, the session will end on December 18, Power of Stories: and allied professionals distinguished speakers 2003. All students must be one-quarter Alaska Native or Native Narratives of Hope, addressing the conference American. Transportation is available within a 5-mile radius of Courage and Change”. including psychologists, this year include an the Johnson O’Malley building. Please call Peggy Nicholas, Internationally renowned licensed marriage and opening address by Preschool Coordinator, at (907) 451-6201 or storyteller, social worker family therapists, Anchorage Mayor Mark (907) 451-6211 for more information. and consultant on child Begich, presentations by welfare, Naomi Haines counselors, case social workers include the Griffith will open the managers and nurses will State of Alaska conference Wednesday Department of Health st attend the conference. Writers, Artists, Musicians Wanted October 1 with a keynote and Social Services address titled “Renewing our Division of Behavioral Health Services The Seventh Native American Generation (SNAG) magazine is currently seeking Commitment.” A well-known family Director Bill Hogan, the new Office of submissions from Native Americans 24-years-old and under! All levels of writing, poetry, systems specialist, Ms. Griffith uses humor Children’s Services Deputy Commission commentary, essay/article, painting, drawing, sketching, photography, etc. are more than and her own experiences to challenge and Marcia Kennai, political strategist Kate welcome. Send submissions to: [email protected]. There may be payment for inspire audiences. She will offer a plenary Coyne-McCoy and University of Alaska submissions chosen to appear in YO! Ideas include personal commentaries on topics in session Wednesday on “Supervision as Vice President for Health Karen Perdue. popular culture and politics relating to young Native American issues and life, urban and Leadership.” rural. For more information or to register, David Epston will present a full day please contact Taylor Burns, NASW Alaska SNAG is also producing a CD featuring Native American music. If you are a young plenary session Thursday, October 2nd “ The Chapter Executive Director at (907)332- Native musician, singer, hip-hop artist, etc., send us your contact information and a brief Power of Stories: Narratives of Hope, 6279 or toll-free 800-478-6279 or visit the biography about yourself or your group to: [email protected] Courage and Change” and a full day clinical website at [email protected]. session on Narrative Therapy methods