January 15, 2008
Strong communities working together create positive changes
by Joseph Green, Community Outreach and Activities Coordinator, Tundra Womens Coalition
My experience at the Family Spirit Gathering held in Kalskag December 7-9
It was so nice to feel welcome and invited in as family, guest, and community member by the people. The theme was "Creating Positive Changes." One of the first presenters is a resident and high school graduate from Kalskag by the name of Louis Mallette who works for YKHC in Bethel. I witnessed the community members welcoming him home, calling him son, and recognizing him during the three-day gathering. This is so heartwarming to observe and it shows by example how loving, caring, respectful, and strong a community is.
The local elders were a powerful addition to the gathering. They shared the issues in the community and also shared testimonials of recovery and giving others hope.
Another powerful source that I witnessed was the babies and toddlers who attended. People of all ages flocked together and watched over the children. Parents shared who the little ones are named after and the characteristics that bring to life the name of the namesake. Presenters included the Association of Village Council Presidents, YKHC, Tundra Womens Coalition, Aniak OCS, and people from Kalskag's own community. Church pastors and many students attended as well.
Some of the presentations that were addressed were Critical Incident Stress Management, Education, Employment, and Child Care, Parenting tools that encourage positive growth, Inhalant Treatment and prevention activities, Emergency Youth Services facilities in Bethel, Commitment to Safety for our Children, School Policies that help kids to stay in school, Drawing on Strengths for safety for our children, Creating Positive relationships, celebrations to support healthy families, continued support for helping resources and wellness teams, Positive choices that involves the family, Commitment to tribes of the Y/K Delta, and our Yupik Traditional Values that promote positive and healthy growth.
The potluck is a positive strength that gives the community togetherness and meaning. A wife from the community said, "I woke up to a good smell. My husband woke up early and started cooking for the potluck!"
A community fiddle dance took place and everyone participated in the sober activity. The people took pride and demonstrated just how strong communities working together can be. Quyana, Kalskag, for the unforgettable experience.
Family Spirit Project
The Family Spirit Project is a regional effort committed to strengthening families, assuring safety for children who are at risk for abuse or neglect, increasing awareness of available resources in communities, and reducing the harmful effects of substance abuse in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Region.
We believe that by working together, using culturally relevant traditional values, teachings, and practices, as well as resources and opportunities provided by all of our agencies, and building on the strength of the communities, we shall be the healthiest people.
Family Spirit Gathering Expectations
- Children will be safer in their homes
- Safer children make healthier families
- Fewer reports of harm to children
- Parents learn conflict resolution and parenting skills
- Families learn information about/access to substance abuse services
Collaborative Resources
The Family Spirit Project is a collaborative effort of the communities of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (YK Delta) Region, the Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Office of Children’s Services (OCS), Association of Village Council Presidents, Tundra Women’s Coalition, Orutsararmiut Native Council, and other community providers in the YK Delta area.
Family Spirit Project History
In 1997 the State of Alaska Division of Family and Youth Services (DFYS.) and the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse approached the Yukon-Kuskowim Health Corporation to provide Substance Abuse intervention, prevention, treatment, and education to families who are at risk of losing their children due to abuse.
Who plans the Gathering?
Drawing on strength of the communities, the Tribal Council, City Council, Schools, Churches, Village Elders, Village Health Aides, Behavioral Health Aides, Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) workers, Village Public Safety Officers, along with the collaborative resources, plan and implement the ongoing process of the gathering to make successful outcomes.
