Nupuat Winter 2017 www.Chugachmiut.org Serving the Native Peoples of the Chugach Region www.facebook/chugachmiutALUTIIQ
Employee of the Year - Darlene Anahohak Submitted by Sue Steward, CHAP Program Manager What is a Community Health Practitioner (CHP)? A CHP is some- one whose passion is to care for others, to relieve their pain, their worry and to support them on the path to wellness. Darlene Anaho- nak, CHP of Port Graham is just such a person.
Executive Director, Jan Vanderpool and her team of Division Direc- tors recognize the dedication and sacrifice of the Chugachmiut team. Every year they huddle to select that one person who embodies Chu- gachmiut values. This year they choose Darlene as the Employee of the Year, a well-deserved honor.
See Employee of the Year, Page 7
Congratulations & Announcements
Congratulations to Emily Collins for Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ winning our Christmas Card Design ChugachmiutALUTIIQ) for updates on holiday closures, Contest! Thank you to all who community events, and other announcements about the participated and good luck next time! region or our offices.
Congratulations to Sandy Kleven! Congratulations to Stephanie Sandra Kleven, who works as a Behavioral Health Clinician in the new Family and Community Services Division, will be Moreno-Beckner for celebrating 50 years of marriage on Valentine's Day, February 14, receiving the “Rookie of the 2017. Sandy and her husband, Rich, were married in the State of Washington. They have four grown sons and four grandchildren. Year” Award
Chugachmiut was approved for a gaming license!
We already held a successful raffle in December. Follow our Facebook group “Chugachmiut Gaming” for information on upcoming events and fundraisers.
In this issue
Chugach Region Heritage Preservation Grant Opportunities Pedometer Challenge Update Page 5 Page 2 Pages 4 & 5 2 CHUGACHMIUT Nupuat Behavioral Health Interviews Beth Benson Submitted by Sandy Kleven, Regional Behavioral Health Therapist Chugachmiut's Behavioral Health therapy can provide. years, I feel con- Services welcomes Beth Benson, as a After completing my nected to Homer clinician serving the communities of master's I worked for a and the wonderful Nanwalek and Port Graham. In this county mental health people I have met. interview, Beth talks about her pro- agency for 5 years, fessional background and her path- and when that was SK: How will you way to Alaska. She describes her ap- privatized I worked for approach your proach to village work and the ways Child Protective Ser- work in our com- she keeps herself balanced and vices for another 5 munities? Do you healthy. Beth was interviewed by years. have areas of spe- Sandy Kleven, who is the clinician cial training or for the Seward area. My family and I lived interest? in a small town in SK: What led you to this field and Northern California BB: I come to the what led you to Alaska? for 25 years. During Villages with a this time my husband desire to learn BB: I have been involved in the men- was coming to Alaska about the commu- tal health field since my early 20's for work, for a few months here and nities, traditions, customs, etc. Al- when I volunteered as a peer counse- there. After my children had finished ready I have learned so much. I have lor in a Women's Health Clinic in college, and left the home, my hus- a background in substance abuse and Berkeley, CA. As a young mother, I band and I decided it was a good time mental health treatment, and child experienced the need for support, and to try something new. My husband welfare. My hope is to provide a safe I facilitated a mother's support group. had fallen in love with Homer so we container for people to explore their I have experienced the benefits both moved to Alaska. Even though we barriers and so that they can identify personally and professionally that have only been in Alaska for 1 1/2 See Beth Benson, Page 7
NUPUAT is a quarterly publication of CHUGACHMIUT, the tribal not-for-profit organiza- tion serving the Alaska Native peoples of the Chugach Region. We welcome submissions from Tribal members, councils, and employees. Please share your comments and suggestions: Rosie Gordon, Newsletter Editor, 1840 Bragaw Street, Suite 110 Anchorage, AK 99508-3463, (907) 562-4155, [email protected] C o n t a c t N u m b e r s
Chugachmiut, Anchorage…...... ………....562-4155 Careline Crisis Intervention …………………...1-877-266-4357 1-800-478-4155 Dental Clinic…...……………………………………...224-4925 Health Services division…………………...……..…...224-3490 Chugachmiut Homer Field Office………………..…...235-0577 1-800-224-3076 North Pacific Rim Housing Authority………………...562-1444 Chugachmiut Crisis Line ……………..………………891-0444 1-888-274-1444 1-844-891-0444 Chugach Regional Resources Commission…….……..562-6647 Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Referral Hotline Chugach Alaska Corporation…...………………….....563-8866 1-877-907-8738 1-800-858-2768
Chenega IRA Council…………….………………...... 573-5132 Port Graham Clinic……….…………….………...…...284-2241 Chenega Clinic…..…...…….……...……….…….…...573-5129 Qutekcak Native Tribe…………………………...…...224-3118 Native Village of Eyak…….………....……....……….424-7738 North Star Health Clinic………………..….……….....224-3490 Ilanka Health Clinic (Eyak)..…………...….……...…..424-3622 North Star Dental Clinic……….……….……………..224-4925 Cordova WIC Office……………………...…………..424-5731 Tatitlek IRA Council……………....…...... 325-2311 Nanwalek IRA Council……….…………...……….....281-2274 Tatitlek Clinic…………...…………...…….……...... 325-2250 Nanwalek Clinic…...…….…………………...…....….281-2250 Valdez Native Tribe…….……………...………...... …835-4951 Port Graham Village Council……………………..…..284-2227 Valdez WIC—call the Cordova WIC Office………....835-2173 CHUGACHMIUT Nupuat 3
Head Start Enrolls the Family—Focus is Partnership! Submitted by Caroline Elie-Wolkoff To the families of the Chugachmiut meet the needs of your child. We are Head Start Program; we want to thank here to assist and partner with you in you for choosing us to meet the educa- this ongoing process—Families are tional needs of your child(ren). We are First! Parents are children’s most im- in this together; child, parents/ portant teachers and our partnership guardians and Head Start staff. When assists you to prepare your children for your child is enrolled, parent/families success in school and life. School suc- are enrolled—Head Start Focus is on cess goes hand in hand with good at- the whole Family! Our partnership tendance! Did you know that starting begins at enrollment and continues in preschool too many absences can through your child’s transition into cause children to fall behind in school? Kilann Tanape works on writing with Liam Kindergarten. One of the first activities Head Start is the beginning of your Ukatish provided to parents/guardians is the child’s education and encourages regu- opportunity to develop an individual- lar attendance. Support is offered to Parents play a critical role in student ized Family Partnership Agreement. It families to identify barriers to good success beginning with your influence is a family driven agreement focusing attendance and to create a plan for im- from birth until they begin their ca- on family goals that are based on the proving attendance. When consistent reers. Your role and actions help shape strengths, interests and needs of the attendance issues are identified one of your child’s readiness for school and family. Head Start staff use this oppor- the family goals may be to work with will continue to influence their aca- tunity to ask families, “How can we your child’s teacher to develop an at- demic and behavioral outcomes. What support you?” tendance plan supporting your efforts can you do to have a positive impact to improve. and build a habit in your child to pro- We need your input in order to really See Head Start, page 6 Chugach Region Pedometer Challenge Submitted By Gala Davis, Health Coach Whether you are looking to maintain people in our Region with Diabetes by tivity per week. That may seem like a or lose weight, walking is a great way offering special diabetes care to pro- lot but very manageable when broken to start. When you achieve wellness of vide treatment and prevention. This down into chunks of 30 minutes 5 days the mind, body and spirit, you are able challenge is part of our prevention pro- per week, or even 3 ten minute ses- to enjoy life to its fullest potential. gram. Everyone is welcome to join. sions per day. Creating a new habit takes time, yet Challenge a family member or a the smallest changes make the biggest friend. One exercise that is achievable for impacts. That is why I have created the most people of all ages is walking. It’s Chugach step pedometer challenge. The National Institute of Health rec- Chugachmiut is committed to helping ommends 150 minutes of aerobic ac- See Pedometer Challenge, page 7
Chugachmiut Tobacco Prevention and Control Program Submitted by, Trudy Valenza, Tobacco Prevention & Control Advocate
We know that a significant amount of secondhand smoke secondhand smoke. That is a whopping 710 who die from a exposure occurs in the workplace – including bingo halls, PREVENTABLE DEATH, in Alaska. and other public places. Secondhand smoke exposure has known immediate adverse health effects on the heart and Chugachmiut TPC Program, Congratulates the Port Graham blood vessels and contributes to preventable illness and Village Council for passing a Tribal Tobacco-free Work- premature death. place Resolution protecting their tribal and community members from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the They’ve joined the movement of Alaskan Tribes going country. In Alaska alone, tobacco use kills some 600 people smokefree/tobaccofree. This brings a total of 130 Tribes who have died from their own smoking. Add another 110 enacting Tribal Tobacco free Workplace place resolutions. people who die from other peoples’ smoke, known as 4 CHUGACHMIUT Nupuat
Heritage Preservation Program Update Submitted by Cassandra Stevenson, Alaska Native Administrative Program Manager
The Heritage Preservation Program throughout the region. These kits New Home for the Heritage is flourishing in its second year of have curriculum materials based on Program Llargaklluku: Becoming Aware. Elders’ traditional ecological Highlights from this fall include This project was awarded funding knowledge which align with moving into the remodeled suite by the US Department of Chugach Regional Cultural Content and hosting an Open House for the Education’s Alaska Native Standards, Content Standards for public to showcase materials found Education Program. The goal of Alaska Students, and Alaska in the Heritage Kits, discuss Becoming Aware is to revitalize Cultural Content Standards. Five curriculum, and display the our traditional ecological new kits are being developed which program’s Virtual Museum, SIM knowledge and language in the focus on Art, Celebrations, Table, and Virtual Wardrobe. Chugach Region. Traditional Weather Forecast, Transportation, and Traditional Foods and Recipes. If you have knowledge regarding these topics that you would like to contribute, please contact the Local Educational Coordinator for that specific topic: Art - [email protected] , Celebrations - Pat Selanoff, Ephim Moonin, Tom Ander- [email protected] , son, Patience Faulkner sharing traditional ecological knowledge Traditional Weather Forecast - [email protected] , A Week of Gathering Together in Meeting Goals Heritage Transportation - The program is reaching its project During the hustle and bustle of the [email protected] , goals. Community members are move and Open House, the Local receiving college credit and are Traditional Foods and Recipes - Education Coordinators and Elders local language teachers who are [email protected] flew into Anchorage to collaborate leading Sugt’stun classes in and ensure Elder’s traditional schools. The program is promoting Introducing New Staff ecological knowledge is the history and heritage to be This year the program welcomed guiding force for the development incorporated into curriculum by several new staff. Kari Brookover, of the five new Heritage Kits. developing, maintaining, and originally from Dillingham, and circulating Heritage Kits Bennita Berestoff, from Kodiak, are the Regional Educational Coordinators. Cassandra Stevenson from Anchorage assists the office as Administrative Program Manager. Marcia Totemoff, originally from Tatiklek, maintains and coordinates use of the Heritage Kits. Vladimir Moonin and Antone Ukatish were recently hired as new Sugt’stun language Mary Kompkoff, Jenny Kamluck, & Alma Ephim Moonin exploring the Virtual Mu- Moonin, at the Open House. seum at the Open House. teachers. CHUGACHMIUT Nupuat 5
Heritage Preservation Program Update, Continued
The Local Education Coordinators listen to Angela Totemoff and Ephimia Dumont work- Shyla Krukoff and Cybill Berestoff practicing Elders’ traditional ecological knowledge re- ing with Regional Master Speaker, Sperry Regional Master Speaker, Rhoda Moonin garding Heritage Kit topics Ash. Sugt’stun Session employees in the Anchorage office. We hope to have It was a good end of the year with the Sugt’stun these available soon on our Facebook page: teachers arriving for a week to discuss classroom www.facebook.com/ChugachmiutHeritage/ lessons and to elaborate on their Sugt’stun skills with Regional Master Speakers, Sperry Ash and Rhoda If you are interested in learning more about this Moonin. At the end of their session, they presented program or collaboration, please contact the program videos they created to the Chugachmiut department at 907-562-4155.
New Electronic Health Record = Upcoming Grant Opportunities Improved Care Submitted by Gary Teenor, Grants Administrator Submitted by Kelley Baker, Health Ser- vices Division Director As everyone is aware, in several days I have broached this topic in the past, we will have a new President and however now we must be proactive to We are excited to announce on De- Congress overseeing the business of the changing landscape. A guerrilla cember 13, 2016, we transitioned to a running the government. It is time for warfare style approach toward grant new Electronic Health Record (EHR) this region to prepare for a busy grant- writing is required. Susan L. Golden, called “Cerner” to enable your ing season. The news indicates there author of “Secrets of Successful healthcare team to enhance communi- may be drastic cuts to federal funding Grantsmanship - A Guerilla Guide to cation by sharing important infor- in unspecified areas. At this time no Raising Money,” compares the grant mation about your health in live time. one can say specifically what pro- writer to the guerilla warrior. The For patients referred to ANMC or grams will be reduced or eliminated. grant writer must be aware of the ever seen by ANMC specialists at field We must assume that some of the pro- -changing terrain, various rules of en- clinics, the shared electronic health grams we have depended on for years gagement and the specific require- record enhances the quality of care may be “down-sized” or disappear ments of your funder before you can our people receive and improves care altogether. We hope not, but we must be successful in your campaign to win team communication and efficiency. be prepared for increased competition them over. Our Providers will now have com- for grant funds on every level. plete documentation from an ANMC Not only is this a form of warfare, it is inpatient or clinic visit immediately To ensure programs important to us also a form of subsistence and surviv- available when a patient returns continue, increased effort from our al. Grant writers have become modern home. region in grant writing is required. To day hunters and gatherers, constantly In the coming weeks, we will be in- that end, Chugachmiut’s Grants De- looking for that next grant opportunity stalling computers in the exam rooms partment researched various strategies and eventual success. Whereas we are at our clinics. This will allow your to maximize the likelihood that our not looking to vanquish and conquer care team to receive and track patient communities will thrive in this new anyone, we do want to be more suc- data from your visit, outline major funding environment. We must be cessful in our pursuit of grants and illnesses, surgeries, allergies and med- ready to adapt to these changes to en- funding than other applicants. This ication, track or enter a prescription or sure success by identifying and under- will result in true self-determination standing the many strengths we have. See EHR, page 7 See Grants, page 6 6 CHUGACHMIUT Nupuat
Grants, continued from page 5 and sustainability for our communities. Understanding your strengths to Ability to tell a story Techniques to achieve this success in- complete the mission Creative writing ability clude: (organizational capability) Willingness to work long hours Fully understanding of your goals Knowledge of shortcomings that Organizational skills for grant funded programs may prevent your success and how (strategy) can you overcome these The Chugachmiut Grants Department Knowing where the opportunities (contingency planning) is in the process of developing a grant are hiding (reconnaissance) Understanding your ultimate pro- opportunity notification process by Understanding the lay of the land gram goals if you are successful in which information related to grants, (battleground) your campaign (Outputs and Out- both tribal and regional to better assist Knowing the rules of engagement comes). in the development of fundable grants (Funding Opportunity Announce- Qualifications to be successful: for this region. ment) Pride in your community
List of Upcoming Grants for Tribal Entities and Chugachmiut Administration for Native Americans (ANA) (Tribal Depends on the Purpose Area selected and Regional) Up to $600,000/3-year project period Language Preservation and Maintenance National Endowment for the Humanities (Regional) Deadline: March 11, 2017 Deadline: January 11, 2017 Up to $300,000/budget year up to 3-years Up to $300,000 Language Esther Martinez Initiative USDA/ICDBG (Regional) Deadline: March 11, 2017 Deadline: April 18, 2017 Up to $300,000/budget year up to 3-years Kenai Peninsula Fire Camp SEDS-AK DOJ/Sexual Assault Services (Regional) Deadline: March 11, 2017 Deadline: February 7, 2017 SEDS Up to $300,000/project period Deadline: March 11, 2017 DOJ/Tribal Sexual Assault Services (Regional) Up to $400,000/budget year up to 3-years Deadline: February 23, 2017 Environmental Regulatory Enhancement Up to $325,000/project period Deadline: March 11, 2017 National Science Foundation (Regional) Up to $300,000/budget year up to 3-years Deadline: February 28, 2017 DOJ/CTAS (Tribal and Regional) Funding level based on individual proposals Deadline: February 28, 2017 received
Head Start, continued from page 3 mote regular school attendance? Some with parents to prepare chil- volunteer, then a substi- great suggestions are to: Set a regular dren for their transition into tute, then a position as a bed time and morning routine, lay out kindergarten. Kilann cook/janitor, teacher clothes and pack backpacks the night Tanape, Lead Teacher in aide and now a Lead before, don’t let your child stay home Nanwalek, works with Teacher who has at- unless they are truly sick, if your child Liam, a 5 year old, to write tained an AA degree in seems anxious about going to school, his name prepping him for Early Education and talk to teachers for advice on how to his next step—the begin- currently working to- make them feel comfortable and excit- ning of his elementary ward her BA in this ed about learning, develop back-up school experience. The ef- field. The Head Start plans for getting to school if something forts to work together; Experience- begins with comes up, (call on a family member, a Child, Parent/Guardian and and involves the whole neighbor, or another parent.) and avoid Head Start Staff prepare the Liam Ukatish, student, shows family. Help us to better medical appointments and extended student to be Focused and his work serve a successful part- trips when school is in session. Ready! We also want to nership with you our acknowledge Kilann for her Head Start Chugachmiut Head Start families! Our teaching staff works in partnership experience which began as a parent CHUGACHMIUT Nupuat 7
Beth Benson, continued from page 2 EHR, continued from page 5 order a lab, quickly retrieve lab or x- and reach goals. Each person deserves care. ray results, and more. Most important- the opportunity to reach their poten- ly, it keeps everyone on your care tial. SK: How can we best support you as a team focused on what matters most- new member of our staff? your good health. SK: How will you approach the chal- lenging aspects of the position such as BB: I tend to have a lot of questions With the incorporation of the EHR in frequent travel? Can you share some and am not shy about asking for help. the exam rooms, you will notice a few specific ideas about self-care? People have been extremely generous changes in how your healthcare team with their time. I hope that my inquir- handles your exams. You will see that BB: I am a very active person. I enjoy ies have not been overwhelming. Hav- instead of taking written notes during being outside (whatever the weather). ing contact with other clinicians who your exam, your healthcare provider The Villages are beautiful and I al- are doing the work has been extremely will type straight into the EHR. This ready I have enjoyed taking walks and helpful. will mean that, at least for a while, visiting with people in the community. your exam will take a little longer but Maintaining a regular exercise plan SK: Thanks, Beth. And again welcome please bear with us - the EHR is a will be an important part of my self- to Chugachmiut! powerful tool that helps us deliver the highest quality of care that you de- Pedometer Challenge, continued from page 5 serve and should expect. the best exercise, and the benefits of physical activity and steps. Prizes in Using the EHR in the exam room will using a pedometer can help you reach each community will be awarded give your Primary Care Provider your daily goal. monthly. (PCP) and other members on your care team immediate access to your health Chugachmiut will be starting the Chu- It’s ok to use your phones and Fitbit records during and after your visit and gach pedometer challenge as part of type watches to record daily steps. whenever you go in our Health Sys- our diabetes prevention program Janu- Your goal is to finish the Chugach tem. Whether you’re at a clinic, or ary 1st and will be ongoing to reach map by adding your daily steps. A even in Anchorage for care, your Pro- the million steps. The million steps million steps burns about 40,000 calo- vider will have all the information are straight miles between the Chu- ries based upon a person weighing from your visit – one of the best ways gach Region which include Nanwalek, 150 lbs. That is roughly an 11lb to ensure you get the right care and Port Graham, Seward, Chenega Bay, weight loss. By taking this challenge treatment. Tatitlek, and Valdez; Round trip this and adding more healthy choices to is a total of 500 miles or one million your diet, this can create a new start to So please be patient with your steps. a healthier life style. healthcare team and forgive them for having to spend a little extra time Contact your local clinic health ad- Let’s start this year by proving that looking at a computer. Getting your ministrative assistant to register and moving more everyday has tremen- information into the new EHR system pick up a monthly log sheets to record dous health benefits. is going to mean improved care for you and your family.
Employee of the Year, continued from front page
In 1985 Darlene Anahonak attended Session I and ETT EMT certification. Darlene is a mentor and respected co- training in Seward. In the early years Chugachmiut was one worker in the health services division. She has been a CHP of the Tribal Health Organizations (THO) that supported a for 30 years and provides the following words of wisdom Community Health Aide Training Center. The Seward to the youth of our region, “Go into the health field. You training center provided ETT, EMT, pre session, Session I will always have work if you do. To be a health aide is re- and Session II training to prospective health aides from warding work. It makes you feel good when you help peo- THO’s around the State. ple.”
Darlene completed her health aide training in Anchorage Thank you to Darlene for her years of service to the people and later became an EMT. Darlene proudly maintains her of the Chugach Region. CHUGACHMIUT Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid 1840 Bragaw Street, Suite 110 Permit No. 595 Anchorage, AK 99508-3463 Anchorage, AK 99508 www.chugachmiut.org
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
In-Clinic Medications Available To All Community Members Within our village located community clinics, in-clinic medications are available to all commu- nity members for emergent and urgent needs. We keep a limited supply of medications to treat emergent needs regardless of beneficiary status.
Chugachmiut is the tribal consortium created to promote self-determination to the seven Native communities of the Chugach Region. We provide health and social services, education and training, and technical assistance to the Chugach Native people in a way which is acceptable to Native cultural values and tradition in order to enhance the well-being of our people by continuing to strengthen the tribes and increase self-determination opportunities for community operated tribal programs.
CHUGACHMIUT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nanwalek Chenega Bay John Kvasnikoff, Director Tatitlek Larry Evanoff, Vice Chair David Totemoff, Director Port Graham Francis Norman, Chair Eyak Valdez Robert Henrichs, Treasurer Qutekcak James Ujioka, Secretary Arne Hatch, Director