anchorage native news · a panel, composed of tribal members from villages within the ciri region,...

Rasmuson Grantmakers Tour

Page 3

ANCHORAGE NATIVE NEWSAlaska Native People Shaping Health Care Volume 18 Issue 4 | Summer/Fall 2018

Non-Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDAnchorage, AKPermit No. 1022

4501 Diplomacy DriveAnchorage, Alaska 99508

8th Annual Nuka Conference

Page 9

Governor Walker Signs Teen Dating Violence Awareness Bill at Southcentral Foundation

Sharon Leighow SCF Public Relation

For those who knew Breanna Moore, her laughter, energy, and bouncy blonde curls will always be in their memory. The 20–year–old, known to her family and friends as Bree, was a bright and beautiful young woman who lived life to the fullest. According to her family, Bree never minded getting dirty — whether she was at Big Lake riding dirt bikes or making mud pies as a kid. The Dimond High School graduate was always outgoing and kept everyone smiling with her dance moves. A lover of animals, Bree spent time every week at Adopt-a-Cat where she cared for sick cats.

“She made every minute of her life special,” Butch Moore said of his daughter.

Tragically, Bree’s life was cut short. She was killed by her abusive boyfriend on June 26, 2014.

Bree’s death left her family heartbroken — devastated that friends and family did not recognize the signs of dating violence. After her death, the Moore’s worked with the Alaska Legislature to pass the Alaska Safe Children’s Act, which includes teen dating violence awareness and prevention education in Alaska’s schools.

“If it can happen to Bree, it can happen to anyone,” Moore said.

Dating violence is a pattern of behavior involving the use or threat of physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, or other abusive behavior by one

person that harms, threatens, harasses, or controls another person within a current or former dating relationship.

Bree’s parents have launched a statewide campaign to raise awareness with resources for young people who may be facing dating violence.

Southcentral Foundation was proud to host Alaska Governor Bill Walker for the official signing of House Bill 214.

“I’ve signed a few bills in my time but this one is very special, the dancing, the message — there is so much emotion in this room,” Governor Walker said during the signing ceremony at the Anchorage Native Primary Care Center where hundreds gathered. The governor praised Bree’s parents for the unwavering advocacy for teen dating violence awareness. Governor Walker also praised Southcentral Foundation’s Family Wellness Warriors

Initiative for its work to end domestic violence, abuse, and neglect.

The legislation, strongly supported by SCF, changes the title of the Alaska Safe Children’s Act to Bree Moore Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Program. It also dedicates the month of February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Several state legislators joined the governor, SCF President/CEO Dr. Katherine Gottlieb, and Bree’s parents, Butch and Cindy Moore.

Butch and Cindy Moore talk about their beloved daughter and the legislation addressing teen dating violence as Governor Bill Walker listens.

Breanna Moore, inspiration for Bree’s Law.

Governor Bill Walker signs House Bill 214 at Southcentral Foundation. The bill names the Bree Moore Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Program and dedicates the month of February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.

southcentralfoundation.com | @SCFinsider | facebook.com/SouthcentralFoundationSummer/Fall 2018

COMMUNITY

© 2018 Southcentral Foundation

The Anchorage Native News is published by Southcentral Foundation Public Relations.

If you have questions, comments,

wish to submit articles, or be added to our mailing list, please contact the

Public Relations department.

SCF reserves the right to edit all submissions for clarity, length,

and content.

Every article will be considered for publication depending upon

space available.

SCF Public Relations4501 Diplomacy Drive

Anchorage, Alaska 99508 (907) 729-4953

[email protected]

SCF Public Relations

Shamika Andrew

Denile Ault Denise Bingham

Krystin Bogan Amanda Cantrell

Tara Carey Tessa Clifton

Lyla DeTavernier Tara Durand

Silas Galbreath Basilio Gonzalez Connie Irrigoo Jake Johnson

Sharon Leighow Esther Robertson

Alyssa Sasser Karla Starbard Riley Stewman

Tiana Taylor

VisionA Native Community that enjoys physical, mental, emotional and

spiritual wellness.

MissionWorking together with the Native Community to achieve wellness

through health and related services.

Board of DirectorsJames Segura (Chairman)

Charles G. Anderson (Vice Chairman) Karen Caindec (Secretary/Treasurer)

Charles Akers (Director)

Roy Huhndorf (Director) Dr. Terry Simpson (Director)

President/CEODr. Katherine Gottlieb

SCF Hosts First Tikahtnu Plants Symposium

Tara Carey SCF Public Relations

Southcentral Foundation hosted the first Tikahtnu Plants Symposium, a mini-conference inspired by the original Plants as Food and Medicine Symposium. The event was held in the Tribal Drum at the Nuka Learning and Wellness Center on Aug. With the backdrop of the indigenous plants growing on the Alaska Native Health Campus and along the nearby trails at University Lake, the foliage complemented the discussions and demonstrations offered throughout the symposium.

Symposium attendees were greeted each day with herbal tea made from local plants. This allowed attendees to experience a variety of ways local plants can be used for nourishment and healing. Attendees also had the opportunity to make items such as salve and insect repellent, both of which can be useful to Alaskans.

A panel, composed of Tribal members from villages within the CIRI region, presented on how to sustain natural resources by connecting culture and environment, while increasing self-sufficiency. They shared best practices and knowledge around Alaska’s nutrient-dense foods, and reviewed ways to engage in more physical activity to improve mental health and well-being. Having presentations on plants and their uses gave attendees an introduction to indigenous knowledge that has been cultivated over generations.

“The symposium created a special space for everyone who participated,” Senior Director of Executive and Tribal Service Division Angela Michaud shared. “It was inspiring to see the RAISE interns engage with Elders — learning from the other and strengthening traditional knowledge. There was a lot of pride as Elders shared story and what was important for the next generation to know. In addition to story, it was fantastic to gain hands-on experience and to see participants using Alaskan plants.”

In addition to the panel discussions, making salves and insect repellent, a plant walk, and mindful movement activities — attendees were able to connect with others, learn, and share knowledge of plants.

SCF’s dedication to promoting and sharing knowledge about indigenous plants is showcased in the healing garden located next to SCF’s Traditional Healing Clinic at the Anchorage Native Primary Care Center. The garden is overflowing with a variety of healing plants including devils club, yarrow, and stinkweed; all of which were highlighted during the symposium. The healing garden can be viewed from the walkway and has signage to help identify the plants.

For more information about the healing garden that Southcentral Foundation maintains at the Alaska Native Primary Care Center, call Traditional Healing Clinic at (907) 729-4958.

Symposium attendee Rachel Ireton assists Tribal Doctor Lisa Dolchok while making insect repellent during the mock kitchen session at the Tikahtnu Plants Symposium.

Angela Michaud, SCF Senior Director of Executive and Tribal Services and Clinical Director of Traditional Healing visits with guest panelist and Tribal Doctor Rita Blumenstein during Tikahtnu Plants Symposium.


We work together with the Native Community toachieve wellness through health and related services.

Neil Chandler: A Soldier’s Heart SuccessShamika Andrew SCF Public Relations

Neil Chandler joined the U.S Air Force as a medic in 1992. In 2001, he separated from the military to pursue his bachelor’s degree in science, studying at the University of Minnesota-Crookston. Upon completion he received a commission back into the Air Force as an officer. Later, Neil received his master’s degree in health care management at Trident University International. In 2006, as a result from a reduction in force, he was release from active duty and joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Neil and his wife Keri, also a retired Air Force veteran, have been married for 22 years and have six children. In 2015, Neil and his family moved from Illinois to Anchorage where he worked as a contracts manager at the hospital on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. In 2016, at the Crossing church in Birchwood, Keri saw a flyer to submit an application to participate in the Soldier’s Heart program pilot; Keri encouraged Neil to apply; he did and was one of the first applicants to the program.

Soldier’s Heart aims to reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress and aid in suicide prevention among veterans, first responders, and their families. Through Soldier’s Heart, participants have the opportunity to better understand what causes triggers, and address the loss, grief, and anger that come with post-traumatic stress disorder. When participants first join Soldier’s Heart they often struggle to tell their story. They are often apprehensive about the effectiveness of the trainings, but then realize that in sharing story, they create a common language — a place to talk freely without fear of judgment. Participants are able to relate and build trust in knowing that others have walked in their shoes and they aren’t alone. Soldier’s Heart provides a safe place with tools to help with the triggers and anger management.

Attending Soldier’s Heart as a participant changed how Neil viewed post-traumatic stress; he used to think he was alone in the struggle, that no one would understand him, or know what he was going through. As

a result of the training, he was able to open up, not only with his therapist, but also to his wife and children. Allowing them in for the first time and having conversations with his family that he never had before. Neil believes the program helps others to achieve the same experience he had. Just understanding that they’re not alone is the biggest hurdle to overcome. Building trust with individuals on the same journey lays a solid foundation for healing.

Quotes from participants who attended Soldier’s Heart:

“The awareness and knowledge that I obtained from attending Soldier’s Heart was enlightening and empowering my journey of wellness.”

“Grief shared is grief divided; Joy shared is joy multiplied.”

“The process validated me and my emotions; it reinforced that I am not alone in this journey.”

“It keeps me grounded: I’m not alone.”

“I may be broken but I’m not alone.”

Neil hopes that organizations across the country adopt a program similar to Soldier’s Heart for their people, and that Soldier’s Heart can continue to touch the lives of customer-owners for years to come.

Neil Chandler, Manager of Soldier’s Heart, speaking at AFN on October 19, 2017

New and Old Relationships Strengthened at Research Workshop

Silas Galbreath SCF Public Relations

Research provides insight; insight inspires innovation; innovation translates into improved health outcomes for Alaska Native people, and communities around the state. Southcentral Foundation, the Alaska Native Health Board, and the

National Institutes of Health National Human Genome Research Institute cohosted a workshop to examine historic approaches to research and explore new possibilities for collaboration in July. The workshop included both national and statewide attendees representing Tribal organizations, councils, and communities; research organizations; and SCF Research and senior leadership.

SCF Research was established in 2006 to improve the health and wellness of the Native Community through in depth health services research. The research conducted by this department addresses a wide variety of medical and behavioral health topics, which are aligned with SCF’s wellness objectives; ensuring research is respectful and beneficial to customer-owners.

When asked about why this conference was so important, SCF Senior Researcher Dr. Vanessa Hiratsuka shared, “As genomic research becomes increasingly important to advancements in medicine, populations that are not meaningfully included in genomic research risk not benefiting. Alaska Native people have historically been under-represented in biomedical research generally, and in genetic research specifically.

However, an increasing number of researchers have built trust and partnered with Alaska Native people and communities in biomedical or genomic research as one way of addressing disparities in health.”

Over the two days, the workshop created dynamic and engaging dialogue that explored the priorities related to genomic research in the state and how to translate the research into action that can further improve the approach to health care. Attendees explored current barriers that exist due to historic approaches to research, shared best practices for the inclusion of the community and the voice of Alaska Native people, and learned about existing collaborations and work being accomplished. Workshop participants were also given an opportunity to provide input into the 2020 National Human Genome Research Institute Strategic Plan.

While the workshop was exciting and new in its approach by including such a broad scope of stakeholders, the relationships between SCF and NIH is not new. SCF has received several grants from the NIH in the past 15 years. SCF President/CEO Dr. Katherine Gottlieb has served on the National Library of Medicine’s Board of Regents, and in 2017, Katherine spoke at the NIH campus which resulted in an invitation to return along with SCF’s Board of Directors and senior leadership to meet with NIH where possibilities for further partnerships, including co-hosting the workshop, were explored. Additionally, SCF Director of Research Dr. Denise Dillard and SCF Medical Services Division Senior Director of Quality Assurance, Dr. Donna Galbreath currently serve on the NIH Tribal Advisory Committee.

SCF is grateful to all those who traveled to participate in this meaningful workshop and is excited for the collaborations that were further developed during the workshop.

For more information contact, SCF Research at -(907) 729-8623.

Participants engage in dialogue at the NIH workshop.


COMMUNITY

Thank you to the Harvard Medical School Office of Communications and External Relations for permission to reprint these scholarly articles

from their digital publication, In the News.

Do 45-Year-Olds Really Need Colon Cancer Screening?By Jeremy Samuel Faust

In light of a reported increase in the rates of colorectal cancer, the American Cancer Society has lowered the recommended age for screening to 45. Jeremy Faust (HMS/Brigham and Women’s) authored this article about the complicated calculus and conflicting evidence on the link between earlier screenings and death rates. Sapna Syngal (HMS/Brigham and Women’s/Dana-Farber) and Andrew Chan (HMS/

Mass General) are quoted.

Full article: https://slate.me/2JBXoUw

Why Can’t We Remember Our Dreams?By Bahar Gholipour

We spend a third of our lives asleep, but we don’t often remember our dreams. This article explores the neuroscience of sleep and memory for clues to the reasons why forgetting dreams is normal. Robert Stickgold (HMS/Beth Israel Deaconess) is quoted.

Full article: https://bit.ly/2xHINFQ

In the News by

Harvard Medical School

Gloria O’Neill to Serve as Chair for National

Commission Sharon Leighow SCF Public Relations

Southcentral Foundation congratulates Cook Inlet Tribal Council President and CEO Gloria O’Neill on her recent appointment to the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children, which demonstrates a continued commitment to the health and wellbeing of the Alaska Native Community. The commission is an independent federal committee which aims to identify challenges facing Native children in Alaska and across the U.S.

Following her appointment by House Speaker Paul Ryan, her fellow committee members elected O’Neill to serve as its chair. The commission is tasked with conducting a comprehensive study of federal, state, local, and tribal programs that serve Native children. The goal of the committee is to develop a system that delivers wrap-around services to Native youth.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to take all of the tenure, knowledge, and understanding developed over the course of my career and apply

it toward the work of this important commission,” O’Neill said. “The positive impact we can have on the lives of our Native youth makes my heart sing.”

During her 20-year tenure as CITC’s President and CEO, O’Neill transitioned the organization into one that acts as an ambassador of Native interests on a regional, statewide, and national level.

CITC President and CEO Gloria O’Neill

SCF RAISE Program Celebrates New PartnershipsShamika Andrew SCF Public Relations

Designed to develop leadership skills in Alaska Native and American Indian youth 14 – 19 years old, SCF’s RAISE program offers three separate sessions per year: summer, winter, and graduate programs. The RAISE 2018 summer session hired 64 interns. Interns worked in one of six project groups: academic achievers, heritage and traditions, college and careers, community development, health careers, and administrative support. Throughout the summer, interns work in several divisions across the organization. Working alongside employees gives perspective and an opportunity for students to gain experience in that field.

In preparation for adulthood and independent living, interns participate in a number of different trainings and activities relative to life skills. In addition to life skills and work experience, RAISE Interns learn team-building, mentorship, personal financial wellness, and portfolio development. They also learn different job application skills including what an employer is looking for in a reference, how to structure a resumé, and interactive interviewing.

This year, interns had a new opportunity to participate in the CITC

Fabrication Laboratory. The lab is a digital fabrication resource center where interns use high-tech design programs, industrial-grade manufacturing machines and electronics and programing tools. CITC’s Fab Lab is unique in combining cutting edge educational tools with traditional Alaska Native cultural values and strengths around the development and adaptation of specialized technologies. Using tools and techniques that merge architecture and construction, interns bring traditional concepts and understanding to their experiments in programming, design, and fabrication.

Additionally, the Alaska Native Heritage Center partnered with the RAISE program to have a heritage and traditions group that offers training and education in a variety of areas. Interns acquire a wealth of information about the heritage of Alaska Native cultures while developing a deeper understanding of their own culture and identity.

The development of the next generation of leaders is a priority of SCF leadership. In support of this, Interns spent a day with SCF President/CEO Dr. Katherine Gottlieb. The day included a bus ride to Seward where they toured the Alaska SeaLife Center and received an educational classroom experience. Additionally, at the end of July, Interns went on a three-day camping trip to Spirit Lake. During this time, the interns

had the opportunity to work on team building and spend time with SCF’s President/CEO and Board of Directors.

With the completion of RAISE, students are better prepared to enter the work world and have an increased understanding of writing, job application, and professional development skills. SCF is committed to guiding Alaska Native youth on their journey to adulthood and career success through RAISE and other related programs.

SCF Raise Interns gather around John (JB) Heperi-Smith Deputy Chairman of Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated.


We work together with the Native Community toachieve wellness through health and related services.

A Midsummer Powwow Celebrates CultureDenile Ault SCF Public Relations

Everyone was welcome at the 10th Annual Tribal Celebration. Chickaloon and Knik Tribes hosted 629 attendees at the Palmer State Fairgrounds on June 9. Clear skies, fresh coffee, and plenty of fry bread made for perfect powwow conditions. Perfect is not a word used lightly because powwows are inherently great, but this past Tribal celebration was truly powwow perfection.

Celebration organizers worked with 63 vendors so attendees could peruse tables relevant to their interests. Representatives from their respective community organizations and artists interacted with guests. Southcentral Foundation Dental sponsored a visit from Tillie the tooth fairy, with a guest appearance from the Benteh Nuutah Valley Native Primary Care Center’s Nolan the Colon. Activities included hula hoop contests with age brackets from five and under to 80 and up, a beading contest judged by Tribal leaders, and a salmon dip-off.

The celebration began with a moment of meditation on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly Resolution No. 16-006. Adopted in 2016, the passage of the resolution was a collaborative effort between Knik and Chickaloon Tribes and the Borough to recognize and celebrate the indigenous peoples who have made the Matanuska-Susitna Borough home “since time immemorial.”

Borough Assemblyman Jim Sykes addressed the crowd regarding the context of the resolution’s passage. “…The recognizing is respect. It’s very simple, and it’s inclusive. [The resolution] recognizes what [went] on in the past. … It was more than a proclamation — it was voted on.” The Borough resolution to recognize the second Monday of each October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day includes specific language recognizing the “deep cultural contribution[s]” of the Ahtna and Dena’ina Athabascan peoples to the Mat-Su region. Sykes closed by encouraging attendees to start organizing now for this year’s Mat-Su area Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognition.

This year’s celebration was dedicated to honoring the men of the Tribes. Gary Harrison, Chickaloon Traditional Chief, Albert Harrison, Doug Wade, and Rick Harrison were all presented with

traditional beaded knife sheaths. Emcee David Harrison, Southcentral Foundation Tribal Relations specialist, was given a beaded medallion. The Knik Tribal Council President Michael Tucker was gifted an ornate seal skin vest with the Knik Tribe insignia embroidered on the back. Lisa Wade, Chickaloon Tribal member, spoke to the significant community contributions made by the men being honored.

“We are here to honor the knowledge, and advocacy, and the fight they have been putting up for these past 30 – 40 years. We all benefit today because of all the groundwork they made in the beginning. We probably wouldn’t be doing this today, I know we wouldn’t be doing this today, if it weren’t for the work they already put in. So this is a very small recognition in this gigantic room. They deserve a lot more than just a few words from us. But this is a good start for us. … Today we’re going… [to] say, ‘Tsin’aen, we love you, and thank you for all your hard work.’ And we’re calling you out to keep doing it, in a good way with good hearts, and to keep up the struggle because it’s long and far from over.”

Singers and drummers circled a large skin drum seated near the stage; the warm reverberation of their music enveloped everyone in an inclusive invitation to start dancing. Technical difficulties didn’t stop the kid’s

dance party — singers and dancers continued to play for the children. Crystyna Chuitt, youth attendee, was on the dance floor for hours. When asked if she had attended previous year’s Tribal celebrations she replied, “Feels like five or six years. I’ve been dancing ever since I was like two, and I just grew up in the drum. So I’ve been coming here ever since then. So however long that is.” Crystyna’s confidence in her cultural expression demonstrates the strength of her community; there is much for Chickaloon and Knik Tribes to celebrate.

SCF recognizes that the success of other Native organizations is key to achieving our vision of a Native Community that enjoys physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness, and is proud to be walking toward wellness alongside Knik and Chickaloon Tribes.

For more information on Tribal events in Sutton, visit lifehouseclinic.com. For events in the Valley, visit the Benteh Nuutah Valley Native Primary Care Center’s Facebook page.Crystyna Chuitt dances to the beat of the drum at the 10th

Annual Tribal Celebration, June 9.

Generous Contributions Help SCF Programs ThriveSharon Leighow SCF Public Relations

At Southcentral Foundation, we are proud of our successes. From our state-of-the-art facilities, two Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Awards, to the amazing employees and innovative programs we offer to customer-owners — we’ve come a long way from our small dental office on Fireweed Lane.

On the journey to wellness, we haven’t traveled alone. For more than 20 years, the Rasmuson Foundation’s acclaimed Grantmakers Tour has brought influential foundation leaders to Alaska. Every August, the Rasmuson Foundation hosts representatives of national and regional organizations for a week in Alaska. The tour is co-sponsored by more than a dozen statewide and regional nonprofits and Native corporations, as well as some of Alaska’s largest private employers.

Tour participants travel the vast expanse of the state by plane, train, boat, bus, and ATV, giving them a first-hand look at Alaska’s unique needs. Grantmakers from across the country hear directly from nonprofit,

government, tribal, and private sector leaders in both urban and rural communities and meet a diverse cross section of Alaskans.

While visiting Southcentral Foundation on the Alaska Native Health Campus, prospective grantmakers are given tours of the Anchorage Native Primary Care Center while learning about the globally recognized Nuka System of Care.

Thanks in part to the generous contributions on behalf of grantors, important programs including SCF’s Native Men’s Wellness, Breast and Cervical Health Program, Family Wellness Warriors Initiative, and so many more are able to continue the important work helping customer-owners achieve wellness. SCF appreciates all of the grantors who have contributed to our vision of a Native Community that enjoys physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness.

Our thanks to Rasmuson Foundation and the many other organizations that have helped Southcentral Foundation provide the very best care for the 65,000 customer-owners we serve.


SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

SPORTS PARTICIPATION CAMPFIRE/YMCA KINDERGARTEN

DAY CARE SCOUTS DID YOU KNOW

THERE ARE MANY REASONS YOUR CHILD MAY BE

REQUIRED TO HAVE A PHYSICAL?

SCHEDULE YOUR BACK TO SCHOOL PHYSICAL TODAY.

Traditional Inuit Tattooing Reclaiming Culture, one Skin-Stitch at a Time

Denile Ault SCF Public Relations

Sarah Whalen-Lunn, CIRI shareholder and SCF customer-owner, trained in traditional Inuit tattooing with the Tupik Mi group. Sarah’s style of tattooing is a fusion of old and new. She often shares her work on social media, and some of her most popular tattoos feature current subject matter. These combinations of old and new designs allow her clients to choose tattoos unique to their journey, reclaiming their culture in a way that fits them best. Sarah and her peers call these modern takes identity tattoos.

Take for example, an Inupiaq mermaid tattoo Sarah gave herself. The subject matter’s pose and proportions reflect mainstream classic mermaid tattoo designs. Whereas other details, like the scaleless fish tail, woman’s hips, and traditional markings are reminiscent of Sedna, the Inuit sea goddess. It is a tattoo many contemporary Alaska Native women would be proud to wear, despite the recent historical decline in traditional tattooing. The work of Sarah and her peers to reclaim the culture of traditional tattoos may very well preserve this timeless tradition, and also heal struggles of identity.

Just a few generations ago, Inuit people were tattooed for a variety of reasons in their lifetime. Some tattoos were done for pain relief and performed as a functional acupuncture. Other tattoos held more meaning by design and in placement. A woman’s tattoos signified her marriage eligibility. Some tattoo designs even had the power to sway the spirits. Women without finger tattoos, it was told, would be refused access to the afterlife by the sea goddess.

“When I began to have children of my own I really began to search out a way to reconnect, or connect at all, with the Inupiaq side of my heritage. I wanted my children to have some sense of who they came from. It’s not easy to know where to start or who you should be looking for, so it has been all really slow going for me. My art, though, had really begun to pick up and doors were starting to open up. I was lucky enough to be in a few shows with Inupiaq artist Holly Nordlum who started Tupik Mi.”

Tupik Mi began as an artistic collaboration between Holly Nordlum and renowned Greenlandic tattoo artist Maya Sialuk. Holly was able to use her community ties and reputation to spread awareness of Maya’s

knowledge and training opportunities; the competition for selection to be trained by Maya was tough. Only Sarah, Holly, and two other women were selected to be trained in Inuit tattooing by Maya.

Sarah was trained in two indigenous tattoo methods: hand-poking and skin-stitching. Hand-poke technique tattoos are done with a hand-held stick tool, and the image is created one dot at a time.

Skin-stitch tattoos are created by using a needle to sew trails of ink with thread under the skin. Modern equipment is used for both techniques, and is disposed or sterilized in compliance with health and safety standards.

Sarah, Holly, Maya, and their fellow traditional tattoo artist peers diligent work has helped to revitalize the tradition, and because of it Inuit tattoos have made a comeback. So much so, that when Sarah applied for the Rasmuson Individual Artist Project Award this year she was ecstatic to have found that she’d been selected. The Individual Artist Awards Program was created by Rasmuson Foundation to “put money directly in the hands of artists.” Sarah’s selection is a slight departure from past Alaska Native artists selected for traditional art projects. She shared on Facebook, “I can’t even begin to describe how caught off guard I was with the news of this project award! Makes me feel like I am definitely headed on the right direction for my life. If you applied this year and didn’t get it, keep applying, who knows how many times (6) I did and didn’t get it before today! Thank you Rasmuson Foundation for recognizing me and helping me further the work I am so grateful to do.” Sarah’s Rasmuson project will take her to her grandmother’s community of Unalakleet, as well as other rural Alaska hubs including Nome, Kotzebue, and Utqiagvik. She will continue her education by conducting research on traditional tattooing designs.

Want more? Read the expanded story at southcentralfoundation.com.

Sarah can be found on Instagram as @inkstitcher and reached by email at [email protected].

Traditional hand markings done by Sarah. Tattooing was traditionally conducted by women. Pictured are two women sharing a timeless rite of passage.


We value working together with the individual, the family and the community.

Child and Family Developmental Services Welcomes Newest Medical Provider

Amanda Cantrell SCF Public Relations

Dr. Randy Zernzach has a gentle and calm demeanor, with a kind smile and a twinkle in his eye; an almost ideal persona for a pediatrician. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force Academy and a former E-3 pilot stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Zernzach graduated medical school in 1995 and traveled around the lower 48 as a pediatrician assigned to a variety of military bases. When he was part of a 10-doctor primary care office in Utah, he found himself with referrals of children who had been labeled developmentally disabled. As his patient list grew, he was inspired by this group of children and the amazing families he worked with. Following three additional years of training with the Madigan Army Medical Center and Seattle Children’s Hospital, Zernzach was officially a developmental behavioral pediatrician. Through all of his experience, Zernzach began to understand and imagine what an ideal clinic would need to serve this unique customer group.

As SCF has continued to improve, leadership also recognized the gaps in service and the need for comprehensive services for this pediatric population. With a personal vision so closely aligned with the new Child and Family Development clinic that SCF has developed, Zernzach is a perfect fit.

What does a dream developmental clinic look like? It looks like a large interdisciplinary team. The sub-specialty of developmental and behavioral pediatrics is surrounded by other critical specialties: speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, applied behavior analysis, behavioral health, psychologists, individual and family counseling, psychiatry; all of these specialties working together under one roof. This idea of integrated side-by-side teamwork with a group of specialists like this doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world.

One of the overriding concerns of other specialists in his field was the lack of communication among community team members. Rarely did primary care doctors or specialists hear back from the therapists, or other behavioral health providers. There was no coordinated treatment plan. There was no connection between doctors and therapists for the individual or the family. By creating this specific working environment, along with the use of the electronic

health record, communication barriers will be minimized.

Child and Family Developmental Services will serve children with developmental delays caused by any number of reasons, such as autism, ADHD, prenatal exposures, and more. Many children find themselves with a complex combination of disorders. All components of the various conditions will be addressed with competent and complete communication. Interdisciplinary assessments will be able to effectively cover all areas of potential need. Not every customer-owner will see every specialty, but they will have access to them all and be able to develop a family-centered treatment plan. This clinic will not take the place of primary care but will allow this team to work with primary care for a comprehensive approach.

This is just the beginning. Given the scope of Alaska, telemedicine will be used in the future to ensure all of Alaska has access. The focus will initially be younger customer-owners who don’t have a needed diagnosis or a treatment plan. Zernzach notes the importance of the first 1,000 days of child’s life; “the first thousand days are a critical period of a child’s development for the brain’s neuronal connections and growth”. This idea of being able to help at developmentally sensitive periods in child’s life was what drew Zernzach to the field of pediatrics in the first place. Working with kids allows a provider to “make a difference early that can change the trajectory of their lives.” Although his first complex cases as a new general pediatrician made him concerned he didn’t have all the tools to help, he found that he really was called to “care for these kids—these families. The ‘hard ones’ were the ones I needed to help the most.”

When looking at what makes this clinic different, other than the connections, a large part is the man who will lead it. His views and approach to these children are part of what will make this a unique clinic. “I try not to let what [the kids] have be their defining characteristic or label. They are unique individuals who may have diagnosis of “x” or “y”, but they are not an “x-child” or a “y-child,” Zernzach stressed. An approach like that is just what a place like the Alaska Native Health Campus will value: someone who is focused on the individual and relationships.

Want more? Read the expanded story at southcentralfoundation.com.

ECAF: Supporting Neighbors When Tragedy StrikesConnie Irrigoo SCF Public Relations

When tragedy strikes, the additional financial burden can sometimes be too much to bear. Southcentral Foundation’s Employee and Community Assistance Fund was established to help pick up the pieces during the troubling times.

ECAF provides immediate financial assistance to the community by covering necessities for those who have encountered financial hardship for reasons beyond their control. Since its inception, ECAF has given nearly $95,000 to more than 230 people and families in need for things like; funeral expenses, bereavement travel, medical expenses, housing, and more.

This is supported by SCF

employees and is also made possible by the generosity of people within our community. Employees donate and participate in fundraisers throughout the year. Community members can make donations at any time. The Pick.Click.Give. campaign from the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend allows anyone across the state to contribute.

Did you know it’s not too late to donate through Pick. Click. Give? That’s right, you can still Pick. Click. Give. even though you’ve already filed your 2018 PFD application. Just go online to pfd.Alaska.gov before Aug. 31, and select the Add or Change Your Pick. Click. Give. donation link on the right side of the page. Follow the prompts to open your application. Then pick a program near and dear to your heart, click on a donation and give the support to make a difference in the community.

ECAF is one of hundreds of tax-deductible charitable organizations to choose from this year. Every little bit helps, and no donation is too small.

Learn more at www.PickClickGive.org or on the PFD application page at www.pfd.alaska.gov. Visit www.southcentralfoundation.com/ecaf for more information on the ECAF program.

When times get tough, we help each other. The Employee and Community Assistance Fund provides financial assistance to employees and the community.

Dr. Randy Zernzach, new SCF physician.


COMMITMENT TO QUALITY

Bringing Awareness to Women’s HealthAshley Schroeder SCF VNPCC

Ashley Schroeder is a health educator at Benteh Nuutah Valley Native Primary Care Center. Women’s health is a passion for her and a subject close to her heart.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month and September 26 is National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. To highlight these events I’d like to start a conversation about gynecological cancers, what I call the big five, which include cervical, uterine or endometrial, ovarian, vulvar, and vaginal cancers.

Cancer occurs when cells of the body grow at an increased rate and become malignant. Cervical cancer occurs in the lower part of the uterus and is often caused by human papillomavirus, a virus that is common in men and women. I encourage women to stay up to date on

a preventative exam, including a pap smear, which can detect changes in the cervix early when HPV is easily treatable. There is also a vaccine available for young adults that helps prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV.

Uterine or endometrial cancer occurs in the uterus, either in the uterine muscle itself or in the inner lining of the uterus called the endometrium. Ovarian cancer occurs in the ovaries, the female organ responsible for housing a woman’s eggs, and can spread to other areas of the body in later stages of the disease. Your regular pap smear and well-woman

exam does not screen for ovarian cancer or uterine/endometrial cancers. Vulvar cancer occurs in the vulva, the external tissues surrounding the vagina. Vaginal cancers occur anywhere inside the vagina. These cancers can be detected during a pelvic exam, which is usually performed as part of a well-woman appointment and don’t necessarily need to be combined with a pap smear. The pap smear is used to detect cervical cancer, but can also sometimes detect vaginal cancer cells.

This September, the health education department at the Benteh Nuutah Valley Native Primary Care Center is starting a gynecological cancer educational campaign; the goal is to raise awareness on female cancers and educate women on resources available for women who are currently going through cancer treatment and for those who have been newly diagnosed.

It is my personal goal, to open the lines of communication and increase awareness about the different forms of cancer that affect women. We don’t often hear or talk about gynecological cancers because it can be uncomfortable to discuss, especially in an educational or public health setting. I want to urge women to be their own health advocates and to feel empowered to ask their providers questions about gynecological cancers and preventative screenings. As customer-owners at Southcentral Foundation, you are both a customer of our health care services and an owner of your health care. You have shared responsibility with your provider to make informed decisions about your medical care, which puts you in the driver’s seat. I encourage you to be informed about the big five and thrive in good health.

For more information about the wellness center or women’s health topics, contact the wellness center at (907) 631-7640, or visit the website at www.southcentralfoundation.com/services/health-education-and-wellness/valley-wellness-center/.

Ashley Schroder, health educator at the Benteh Nuutah Valley Primary Care Center.

How Compliance is Rooted in Core ConceptsDenise R. Morris SCF Director Corporate Compliance

In the Native Community, Elders show us the way and remind us we are a reflection of our family. We honor and respect our Elders, who share their wisdom and knowledge of our traditional values and culture. At Southcentral Foundation, our Operational Principles provide guidance from customer-owners when improving systems or developing new programs and services. Our Mission and Goals emphasize working together, which means our services our built upon RELATIONSHIPS. Core Concepts are tools SCF employees use in every interaction with customer-owners and with each other to create relationships. SCF’s Core Concepts are based around WELLNESS.

The Corporate Compliance Department guides employees to live out the values embedded in the SCF Code of Conduct and Ethics, which are based on the traditional values and SCF’s Core Concepts.

SCF promotes professional, ethical conduct that fosters trust and mutual respect among employees, customer-owners, and community. We commit to protecting the privacy of customer-owners and take care to ensure that confidential information is carefully maintained, managed, and safeguarded.

If you have questions or concerns about the SCF Code of Conduct and Ethics, you will have an opportunity to speak with SCF Corporate Compliance employees in person during Compliance Week, the first week of November. The department will host a table on Nov. 3 and 5 in the Anchorage Native Primary Care Center lobby.

For more information or to provide feedback, please call SCF Corporate Compliance at (907) 729-4200 or use the 24-hour toll-free hotline, (877) 837-4251.

W Work together in relationship to learn and grow.

E Encourage understanding.

L Listen with an open mind.

L Laugh and enjoy humor throughout the day.

N Notice the dignity and value of ourselves and others.

E Engage others with compassion.

S Share our stories and our hearts.

S Strive to honor and respect ourselves and others.


We strive to provide the bestservices for the Native Community.

Academic Support for Employees Committed to Continued Education

Jake Johnson SCF Public Relations

Working and attending school full-time, or even part-time, can be exhausting. To encourage success, Southcentral Foundation has the education assistance program that provides support to employees who are continuing their training and education in a field related to the continued success of SCF. The program allows full-time employees, working a minimum of 32 hours a week, to apply for academic leave.

The program has multiple levels of support available to employees, ranging from 50 hours of leave per semester for associates/certifications, 60 hours of leave per semester for bachelors, to 80 hours of leave per semester for masters/Ph.D completion. This program is fully supported by SCF President/CEO Dr. Katherine Gottlieb. Every year she makes a point to schedule a graduation celebration where recent SCF graduates, family

members, and friends are invited to enjoy a catered lunch and receive a gift from her. Additionally, graduates have the opportunity to share their graduate story with others.

A total of 41 graduates were invited to this year’s celebration with degree completions ranging from medical assisting to PhDs. Of those graduates, five employees graduated with associate degrees, 8 with bachelor’s degrees, 11 with master’s degrees, 2 PhDs, and 15 with professional certificates. There were 17 clinical graduates, and 23 non-clinical graduates in attendance.

SCF also offers levels of scholarship opportunities to Alaska Native and American Indian employees. The presidential scholarship of $10,000; the master’s and graduate scholarship of $5,000; the bachelor’s and undergraduate scholarship of $2,000; and the associates and vocational scholarships of $500. The scholarship funds may be used

for tuition, student fees, and books from an accredited educational institute.

SCF’s Educational Assistance Program and supporting a culture of learning and continued education aligns with SCF’s Commitment to Quality. Not only does the academic program support the development of Alaska Native people, it helps grow employees into leadership roles. The program allows employees to gain real work experience while still having the flexibility of attending classes, on campus or online, in support of their individual continued education. By investing in the education of future generations of Alaska Native people and SCF employees, SCF hopes to continually improve the services provided by SCF while providing meaningful educational and employment opportunities.

President/CEO Dr. Katherine Gottlieb poses with the graduation celebration attendees after gifting them each a book on leadership after sharing their graduate stories.

8th Annual Nuka System of Care Conference

Participants learn about SCF’s Nuka System of Care

SCF President/CEO Dr. Katherine Gottlieb poses with a contingent of Maori conference attendees after providing them with Alaska Native traditional artwork as gifts.

Conference attendees learn the value of balanced team.Conference attendees shop at the Alaska Native vendors.

Customer-owner Vivian Taylor responds to a question during the customer-owner panel session during the 8th Annual Nuka System of Care conference.

SCF hosted the 8th Annual Nuka System of Care Conference in June on SCF’s campus in Anchorage. The conference was attended by approximately 150 people seeking to learn about SCF’s Nuka System of Care. Attendees came from around the world, including the lower 48, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, and a large contingent from New Zealand. Sessions were offered on leadership, medical and behavioral services, improvement and innovation, human resource practices, and many other topics. Keynote speeches were given by Dr. Eric Green from the National Human Genome Research Institute, and Cheryl Hankard from Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services in Canada.


FAMILY WELLNESS

Southcentral FoundationLearning Circles

Valley

Anger: A New Outlook Tuesdays | 3 – 4:30 p.m.

1001 S. Knik Goose Bay Rd Wasilla | Meeting room, second floor

Learn about all aspects of the anger cycle and solutions. Focused discussions on triggers, different styles of anger, stress management,

healthy communication, and more. Certificates of completion are available for those who are required to take a 12-week anger management

program. Walk-in participants welcome; ages 18 and up.

Anchorage

Breaking the Silence: Healing from a Loss by Suicide Thursdays | 3:30 – 5 p.m. 4085 Tudor Centre Drive

A fundamental look at ways we process and grieve when we lost someone to suicide. This learning circle is open to people ages 18 and older; walk-in

participation is welcomed.

www.southcentralfoundation.com/learning-circles

Building a Healthier Mat-Su Through Families

Krystin Bogan SCF Public Relations

In 2014, Lisa Wade, director and member of the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council, was invited to join a new organization whose mission is to address the concerns in the Mat-Su Borough linked to child maltreatment. At first she was a little apprehensive about the project because Alaska Native people are no strangers to negative statistics and perspectives regarding child maltreatment and neglect. Lisa decided not to shy away from this opportunity to build a better community because the group decided to approach these serious issues in a way that cultivated a positive and engaged conversation. This organization would become R.O.C.K. Mat-Su (Raising Our Children with Kindness): a collaborative effort made up of individuals from the fields of child protection, early childhood education, behavioral health, and primary care.

Lisa thrives on relationships and community, and it is her goal to create

a culturally centered community that is equitable and welcoming to the growing and diverse population in the Mat-Su area. She believes that the Ahtna and Dena’ina people of the region have a rich and vibrant culture, spirit, and values that can make a positive contribution to the fabric of the community. Serving on the R.O.C.K Mat-Su steering committee allows her to bring her Alaska Native perspective to the organization, which then can be shared in positive ways with the community at large through family events. Lisa actively partners with R.O.C.K. Mat-Su on several projects and community celebrations, such as the upcoming workshop titled Undoing Racism.

This summer, Lisa partnered up with R.O.C.K Mat-Su for the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council’s 10th Annual Tribal Celebration and Health Fair. R.O.C.K Mat-Su hosted a family dance party during the celebration which saw hundreds of attendees. Other activities during the event included kid’s games, health informational booths, and free community BBQ, which was a huge success.

The Mat-Su region has a rapidly growing population. Lisa says, “It would be impossible to do an adequate job of providing support without developing the partnerships we have with Southcentral Foundation, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Knik Tribal Council, R.O.C.K. Mat-Su partners, and our growing network. The more we come together to celebrate, the more we learn from each other and can develop an appreciation for each other’s culture.”

Lisa is just one individual in a network of people who have dedicated the time to build a better community. The collaboration of these local organizations and volunteers, along with the support of the community, helps keep families healthy and support a happier Mat-Su Borough.

For more information about R.O.C.K Mat-Su visit healthymatsu.org or follow them on Facebook for a complete list of upcoming events.

Lisa Wade presents certificates of graduation to the students at the 2018 Ya Ne Dah Ah School of the Chickaloon Village graduation ceremony.

Alaska Gets Animated: Molly of Denali

Tiana Taylor SCF Public Relations

The first animated children series to feature an Alaska Native lead character will debut nationwide on PBS, the number one educational media brand for kids, in the summer of 2019. Molly of Denali will star Molly Mabry, a 10-year-old Alaska Native girl who helps her parents run the Denali Trading Post in the fictional town of Qyah, Alaska. The show will follow Molly and her friends on their Alaska adventures.

Molly of Denali will bring Alaska Native voices into all aspects of the production–on and off camera. WGBH public broadcaster, the largest producer of PBS for the web and television, and animation partner Atomic Comics will host Alaska Native interns for production and animation rolls. The show will also have Alaska Native script writers as well as an University of Alaska Southeast professor, author and Juneau resident, X’unei Lance Twitchell as a language adviser for the program.

“Molly of Denali showcases values paramount to all Alaskan Native cultures,” said Princess Daazhraii Johnson, creative producer of the series. “These values will be woven into each storyline and provide important learning moments. I’m especially excited that Alaska Native children will get to see themselves in Molly, who’s such an inspiring role model for all kids. The project’s Alaska Native advisors worked hard to ensure that our children will get to see our beautiful cultures in a respectful light.”

The show is designed for ages 4-8, and will feature Alaska Native languages, interactive games, and video content of real-world activities to develop knowledge and skills for interacting with everyone.

For more information on Molly of Denali visit http://www.pbs.org


We work to promote wellness that goes beyondabsence of illness and prevention of disease.

Raise Awareness to Help Break the SilenceRiley Stewman SCF Public Relations

According to juneauempire.com, Alaska’s suicide rate was at its highest since 1996. Currently, Alaska has the second highest suicide rate in the United States. Per 100,000 residents, 27.1 committed suicide, which is more than double the national average. The Bureau of Vital Statistics stated, 82.6 percent of suicides in Alaska were men and 17.4 percent were women in 2014. Suicide deaths outnumber homicide by a rate of three to two in Alaska, with more than 90 percent of the deaths being related to a treatable mental illness or substance abuse disorder. The majority of suicides in Alaska come from people ages 15 – 24. According to the American Association of Suicidology and Patrick Sidmore, a health planner and research analyst for the Alaska Mental Health Board, people who are exposed to suicide or suicidal behaviors, or have a history of trauma, are more at risk for experiencing adverse childhood trauma and attempting suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides five steps to take when helping someone you suspect may have suicidal thoughts.

The first step is ask. Ask the person if they are thinking about suicide so that they know that you are there for them and that there is no judgment. In addition, be sure to listen and pay close attention after you ask to see if they have a plan. The second step is to keep them safe. If you confirm they are having suicidal thoughts and have a plan put together, contacting the national lifeline (800-273-8255) may be required. You can also call the authorities or emergency services. The third step is be there. Be there for the person who is in need; it can mean the difference between life and death. Also be sure to follow through with the ways in which you will say you will be able to help the person. The fourth step is help them connect. Help the individual connect with any resources that may help them, like calling the Lifeline or connecting them with people or services in the community that can benefit them in their current stage. Helping them develop a safe plan in case they are having a bad day and going into their

suicidal thoughts is also a good idea. The final step is follow up. Send the person a letter, email, call, or text to see how they are doing, which can help them feel the support and care from you. It also allows them to share their experience with others, helping reduce overall risk of suicide.

Southcentral Foundation offers a number of behavioral health services that are beneficial to customer-owners suffering from suicidal thoughts, suffering from the loss of suicide, or struggling with substance abuse. Services offered include:

• Dena A Coy, a residential treatment program that serves pregnant, parenting, and non-parenting women who are experiencing problems related to alcohol and other drugs and experiencing emotional and psychological issues.

• Denaa Yeets’, a program of services designed to provide specialized support to Alaska Native and American Indian adults who are at risk for suicide.

• Four Directions outpatient, a treatment center that provides substance abuse and dual diagnosis assessments, mental health counseling, and group counseling for men and women addressing a range of topics.

• Quyana Clubhouse, a safe, welcoming place for Alaska Native adults, 21 and older, with severe and persistent mental illness.

• Alaska Women’s Recovery Project, a community-based, peer-driven, and peer-led recovery support for women whose lives have been disrupted by alcohol and other drug use disorders with co-occurring mental health disorders.

• Willa’s Way, a comprehensive safe home program for victims of domestic violence, serving Alaska Native and American Indian women and their children who are homeless due to domestic violence.

To find out more about any of the behavioral services offered or to get in touch with one of these programs, you can contact SCF Behavioral Health at (907) 729-2500.

Learn About the Benefits of BreastfeedingEsther Robertson SCF Public Relations

From the first moment you find out you’re going to become a parent, to the nine short months to birth, you do a lot of planning. You can have fun picking names, deciding how to decorate the nursery, planning a baby shower, and much more. One important choice a parent-to-be has is what to feed your baby. Breast milk is the perfect food to nourish all of your little one’s nutritional needs. Not only is breast milk beneficial for baby’s diet, it helps build their brand new immune system.

Mother’s milk contains living cells that help prevent your newborn from getting sick. According to the Center for Disease Control, breastfed babies have a stronger immune system to fight off illness, a healthier weight, lower risk of cancers, diabetes, obesity, and unexplained sudden infant deaths, and improved verbal and motor development. Breastfeeding provides benefits to more than just your bundle of joy. La Leche League International states that breastfeeding assists mothers with weight loss, lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, heart disease, and depression. Breastfeeding is great for the mother’s health, and easy on the wallet. The average cost of formula for one year is about $1600. That does not include the associated costs with formula such as bottles, nipples, cleaning brushes, and more. Breast milk is a healthy, convenient, and free food option for your baby.

Heather Anderson, a lactation and infant feeding specialist at the Anchorage Native Primary Care Center, has some advice for expectant mothers: “Become informed in making the best decision on how to feed

your baby. Talk to your health care team about your breastfeeding concerns or questions prior to your baby’s birth. Set goals —even short term goals. Utilize the lactation consultants available at ANMC to help support your breastfeeding experience.”

There are many resources available to learn more about feeding options. Southcentral Foundation and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium are working together to obtain the baby friendly designation from the World Health Organization and UNICEF’s Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative. The initiative is a global program to encourage and recognize

birthing facilities that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding and mother-baby bonding. Obtaining this designation demonstrates that a hospital has the policies and care practices in place that meet the gold standard for mother/baby care related to breastfeeding.

Classes are available at SCF, such as Breastfeeding Basics at Health Education. Topics include how breastfeeding works, latching on and positioning, when to feed your baby, how much is enough, breast

care, and breastfeeding lifestyle. Snuggle Time is also offered through Health Education. Parents and caretakers can explore discussions about breastfeeding and what to feed their baby. Customer-owners can also receive a consultation with lactation specialists for more breastfeeding support.

For more information about SCF Health Education classes, contact (907) 729-2689. To speak with a lactation consultant, please call (907) 729-5420.

Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and baby.


SCF Elder Program | 6901 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99507 | (907) 729-6500

Important Phone Numbers

Alaska Native Medical Center (907) 563-2662

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) (907) 272-1444

Anchorage Police Department (non-emergency) (907) 786-8500

Anchor Rides (907) 343-2550

Cook Inlet Housing Authority (907) 793-3000

Division of Public Assistance (907) 269-6599

Food Bank of Alaska (907) 272-3663

People Mover (907) 343-4536

Salvation Army Meals on Wheels (907) 349-0613

Senior Benefits (907) 352-4150

Southcentral Foundation (907) 729-4955

SCF Elder Program Event Hotline (907) 729-6588

MONDAY

Shopping | 12:30 – 2 p.m.

Value Village, Northway Mall, Fred Meyer, Sears Mall, Walmart

Please call (907) 729-6500 for

transportation. Space is limited.

TUESDAY

Cultures and Traditions 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

Bingo | 12:15 – 2 p.m.

THURSDAY

Health Education Nutrition and Wellness

12:30 – 2 p.m.

Please call SCF Health Education at

(907) 729-2689 for more information.

FRIDAY

Game Day | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

(1st, 2nd, and 3rd Friday of each month)

Movie Day | 12:30 p.m.

(4th Friday of each month) Popcorn and juice are provided.

ELDER DRUM Promoting independent living through fosteringan environment of quality, dignity, and pride.

Cabbage plants growing in the Elder Program Garden, summer 2018.

Garden Vegetables Are Most Rewarding

SCF PR Department

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” – Audrey Hepburn

The SCF Elder Program garden had a successful growing season this summer, despite the cool spring weather in Anchorage. Elders had the opportunity to plant and tend to plants all summer. The starters, donated by the Cook Inlet Tribal Council Head Start preschoolers, were nice additions to the other plants and vegetables that Elder Program employees helped cultivate.

Aaron Osterback, Elder Program supervisor, had high hopes for the harvest from the garden and was able to see the fruits of everyone’s labor yield food that will be shared with the community. This year, the garden produced potatoes, carrots, green onions, cauliflower, broccoli, sweet peas, radish, and mixed greens.

“It is especially rewarding to know that all of your time and patience can pay off with healthy food and a good time had by all,” said Osterback.

For more information about the Elder garden, making donations, or volunteering, contact the Elder Program at (907) 729-6335.

Mixed greens growing in the Elder Program Garden, summer 2018.

Green onions growing in the Elder Program Garden, summer 2018.

anchorage native news · a panel, composed of tribal members from villages within the ciri region,...

Documents