Reaching within us and wrapping around us.
Leadership, Support & Native ways of knowing
Recovery after a MVI takes many different paths and is unique to each person. Recovery may continue for months or years. Victims and survivo are ever changing and me health can ebb and flow. Elements of western science, traditional Alaska Native healing, and various other cultural offerings provide options and support.
Responsibly Blending Cultural Practices
A lot of different flowers make the bouquet. - Islamic Proverb
Our beautifully diverse state offers remarkable opportunity to incorporate culturally connected healing options. Integrating traditional practices needs to be guided by the leaders from the applicable community. Talking circles, Teaching Circles, Prayer Circles, Mass, Body Energy work, Smudging, Burial Beads, Wake, Ritual and Rites Ceremonies are just a few possibilities Alaskans may seek when grieving. Here are a few quick tips to being culturally aware:
- As you move through needs assessments with individuals, remember to explore the uniqueness of the victim. Understanding all his/her/their dimensions and layers will elevate your listening and help provide the most appropriate referrals for recovery.
- Be aware and own your bias. Remember people in crisis can be hyper sensitive to the reactions of others. If you cannot overcome a personal hurdle, ask for a colleague to assist the victim.
- It is never a Victim Service providers job to know all the culturally appropriate steps at the end of life or beginning of recovery. Collaborate with spiritual, religious, and cultural leaders to make the best referrals. In the section below, you will find a link to navigate cultural guidelines after a sudden death.
The Dimensions of Diversity Wheel:
wehavekids.com/education/Neurodiversity-and-Learning-Theory-2
Cultural Guides for Helping Alaskans
Cultural Resources for AKN Families
Cultural Resources for AKN Families
Cultural Resources for AKN Families
- Enjoy this helpful guide when working with Alaska Native families. Traditional values, healers, and language are essential to access when offering resources for health.
Sudden and Unexpected Death
Cultural Resources for AKN Families
Cultural Resources for AKN Families
- "Culture includes the beliefs, customs, and arts of a particular society, group, or place. How people respond to issues of death or dying is directly related to their cultural backgrounds. Anyone who works with families should be sensitive to their culture, ethnic, religious, and language diversity. This tip guide provides practical cultural guidelines for working with families who have experienced sudden and unexpected death."
Disaster & Community Crisis Center- University of Missouri
Cultural Guides
Cultural Resources for AKN Families
Cultural Guides
- The University of Minnesota produced these 2-page guides as helpful guides on Latino, Somali, and Hmong cultures.
The Wisdom of Alaska Native Elders
"The indigenous language is a healing language for the mind, body, and spirit."
This quote is the Doorway to a Sacred Place; Restoring Community Wellness and Responding to Traumatic Events with Culturally Relevant Practices (pg. 30). This beautiful guide was produced by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and provides a wonderful background of traditional native healing. Information shared in this guide is sensitive and should be used in collaboration with local Elders.
Click the link below to access the Doorway to a Sacred Place:
(space holder; seeking permissions to use link and photo of the handout.)
Connect with Our Diverse & Incredible Communities
Alaska Native Heritage, Language, and History
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium- Behavioral Health
LGBTQ+ Community
Polynesian Community Center
Alaska Disability Resource and Advocacy Organization
Alaska Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services
Synagogues in Alaska
Directory of Christian Churches in Alaska
Alaska State Office of Veterans Affairs- Health Care System
Click on the link below for the online version of the 12 Self-help Tips.
Coping After Terrorism
The Office of Victims of Crime offers insight:
Recovering from a traumatic event takes a long time and is not easy. Everyone responds differently, not in a right way or a wrong way, just differently. Reactions to a traumatic disaster frequently include the following:
(1) Shock and Numbness;
(2) Intense Emotion;
(3) Fear;
(4) Guilt;
(5) Anger and Resentment;
(6) Depression and Loneliness;
(7) Isolation;
(8) Physical Symptoms of Distress;
(9) Panic;
(10) Inability To Resume Normal Activity; and
(11) Delayed Reaction.
Click the link for the OVC Handbook"
https://ovc.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh226/files/publications/infores/cat_hndbk/welcome.html
Click here for a printable handout from the FBI regarding healing from terrorism:
https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/coping_terrorism_injured.pdf/view
