Participants are provided with foundational information on traditional lifestyles and health practices of people living in Alaska prior to western contact. They will be introduced to beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge of health promotion and maintenance that were practiced, and will examine major changes leading to the current health status of the Alaska Native community. Special emphasis is placed on strategies for improving behavioral health.
Instructors

Meda Dewitt’s Tlingit names are Tśa Tsée Naakw, Khaat kłaat, and adopted Cree name is Boss Eagle Spirit Woman “Boss.” Her clan is Naanyaa.aayí and she is a child of the Kaach.aadi. Her family comes from Shtuxéen kwaan, now referred to as Wrangell. Meda’s lineage also comes from Oregon, Washington, and the Yukon Territories. Currently, she lives in Southcentral Alaska with her family. Meda’s work revolves around the personal credo “Leave a world that can support life and a culture worth living for.” Her work experience draws from her training as an Alaska Native traditional healer and Healthy Native Communities capacity building facilitator. Meda’s work has led to extensive travel to Rural and Urban communities in Alaska, Yukon Canada, and the Lower 48.

Martha Sennungetuk is an Alaskan Native Elder with a degree in Counseling Psychology from Alaska Pacific University. She is retired, but still finds time to help with University of Alaska Anchorage’s distance education program.