National Resource Center for Alaska Native Elders

Traditional Practices - LaVerne Demientieff

Utilizing cultural and traditional practices as a means for health prevention and intervention on the individual, community, organization, and policy levels.

Project Introduction

Alaska Native people have utilized cultural and traditional practices throughout time as a means to prepare, prevent, regain balance, connect, come together as a community, heal, maintain wellness, build strength and resilience, and share with others.

The project being proposed for the NRC-ANE Fellowship will be to conduct interviews and focus groups with Athabascan Elders in Fairbanks, Alaska, in partnership with Denakkanaaga. Data from the interviews will be condensed into a few 2-page briefs highlighting various aspects of cultural traditions and protocols necessary for health and wellness prevention and intervention efforts in  the community of Fairbanks.