Future Looks Bright for CIRI Original Enrollees & Descendants

The next deadline for The CIRI Foundation’s scholarship and grant program is Dec. 1, 2003. Individuals who are eligible for scholarship, grant, and fellowship programs from The CIRI Foundation must be Alaska Native original enrollees of CIRI or the original enrollee’s lineal descendant. Lineal descendants are defined as natural or adopted children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and so on.

Many descendants are not aware of the programs available to them through The CIRI Foundation. If you are an original enrollee to CIRI, or a lineal descendant of an original enrollee, please alert your children and grandchildren about the support opportunities available to them through the Foundation. Let them know that those who obtain a bachelor’s degree will earn 73 percent more during their working life than those with only a high school diploma.

Start planning for post-secondary schooling early. To help facilitate early planning, The CIRI Foundation publishes the “Education Resources Handbook” which contains guidelines, planning timelines, and tips on post-secondary student financial aid opportunities and reference materials about other education services. This handbook is available via The CIRI Foundation web site or a hardcopy can be obtained free of charge by contacting The CIRI Foundation.

Contact the Foundation now to learn more about scholarship and grant programs, 2600 Cordova Street, Suite 206, Anchorage, Alaska 99503, or call (907) 263-5582 within Anchorage or toll free at 800-764-3382 or visit www.ciri.com/tcf/.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center High School Dance Group participated in the 19th Annual World Mountain Running Trophy Opening Ceremonies at the base of Mount Alyeska in Girdwood in September. Representatives in traditional regalia led the Parade of Nations of 250 athletes from 20 different countries. International mountain runners were treated to a special performance and presentation by the Alaska Native Heritage Center showcasing the five major cultural groups

Alaska Native Heritage Center Begins Winter Season

The Alaska Native Heritage Center has kicked off its 2003-2004 winter season and Celebrating Culture Saturdays. The BP Celebrating Culture Saturdays is a chance for the entire Anchorage community to come together on the weekends at the Heritage Center. Upcoming Saturday events include: the Spirit Release and Bladder Festival, the Bridgebuilders Multicultural Music/Dance Festival, Honoring Elders Day, and Honoring Veterans Day.

The ExxonMobil Master Artists Series also begins its fifth year. The 2003-2004 season kicked off with a Cedar Hat Workshop with Haida weaver Holly Churchill-Burns. The ExxonMobile Master Artists Series offers the opportunity to learn a traditional Alaska Native art form from a recognized expert. Beginning Nov. 10-21, Jan See will demonstrate Tlingit silver carving; Delores Sloan will demonstrate Athabascan baby belt beading from Jan. 5-23; Lena Atti, Yup’ik Grass Socks from Feb. 2-14; Larry Ahvakana, Inupiaq wood carving, March 8-19; and David Boxley, Southeast design, April 12-23. The Heritage Center has introduced a new and free membership for all Alaska Natives. Alaska Natives and their families can gain free admittance to the Heritage Center throughout the year. Enrollees also receive a complimentary gift upon enrolling. The membership is available by filling out a Heritage Center Alaska Native Membership card.

More detailed information about the Celebrating Culture Saturdays and the ExxonMobile Artists Series can be found at www.alaskanative.net or by calling (907) 330-8000.

Cook Inlet Housing Authority Hosts Housing Forum

Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich spoke on day one of Cook Inlet Housing Authority’s two-day Housing Forum held in Anchorage in September. Cook Inlet Housing Authority brought five speakers from communities in the Lower 48 where new concepts in housing have been implemented with successful results. At the Housing Authority’s invitation, local architects, developers and builders, government officials, housing providers and financial institutions came together to learn from the specific approaches of these experts and to begin a local dialogue that may lead to new creative solutions for the Cook Inlet region.

Cook Inlet Housing Authority President and CEO Carol Gore welcomes Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich.

Ernie Turner Center Provides Work Therapy through a New Catering Venture

About 60 days ago, Joseph’s morning started with a drink to help get him through the day. Fast-forward to today, you’ll find Joseph starting every morning at 6 a.m. in the kitchen at the Ernie Turner Center preparing breakfast for about 30 people. Joseph is sober and learning about catering and the food industry in a new business, ETC Catering.

ETC Catering was born a year ago as a training program for clients in Residential Services, a substance abuse division of Cook Inlet Tribal Council. The Division director investigated other successful work therapy models nationwide and replicated the model in Alaska.

“Before I came to the Ernie Turner Center, my life revolved around alcohol. Through the work therapy program, I’m learning how to take care of myself, be responsible and develop time management and organizational skills. I’m learning how to handle stressful situations,” said Joseph.

ETC Catering has a two-fold purpose for Cook Inlet Tribal Council: to provide work experience and instruction to their clients in the restaurant industry and produce great lunches at the same time. All proceeds from the catering service are invested back into the Residential Services treatment programs to support the clients in their recovery.

Joseph started in the kitchen as a prep cook and quickly progressed to the department head because of his interest, enthusiasm, and work ethic. As department head, he trains a staff of five on basic kitchen skills and safety. He works with Head Cook Louis Theiss to learn about menu development, inventory, and developing schedules. Sixty days ago seems a lifetime away for Joseph because he lacked direction and purpose in life. Now, he has people depending on him for decisions, guidance, and advice.

“Before I got here, I didn’t have any responsibility in life. I’m learning how to get along with others and how to talk with people. We are a family here, and I’m learning how to communicate and think through issues,” said Joseph.

“The lunch express and catering program was created to provide work therapy and skills for the clients in substance abuse recovery. The program develops employable skills and builds self-esteem for clients who might have been out of work for awhile. It helps clients to facilitate a meaningful change and purpose in their attitudes for a successful recovery,” said Debra Wing, program director. In addition to the work therapy, the clients take classes in anger management, family therapy, nutrition, cognitive skills, and relaxation. When clients are ready to leave the facility, they are provided the essential ingredients for career success in the restaurant and catering industry: current resume, references, job and interview skills, and even interview clothes.

Alaska Native Medical Center Earns Magnet Status

The American Nurses Credentialing Center, an arm of the American Nurses Association, awarded the Alaska Native Medical Center the highest honor offered by the nation’s largest nurses group – Magnet Status for Nursing Excellence. Alaska Native Medical Center nurses met or exceeded standards in the areas of nursing administration, education, clinical practice, research, and quality. Magnet Status indicates the Alaska Native Medical Center creates a work environment that attracts and retains professional nurses.

“This award recognizes the outstanding level of commitment, dedication and expertise demonstrated every day by all the members of the Alaska Native Medical Center health care team,” said Lorraine Jewett, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Chief Nurse Executive at the Alaska Native Medical Center. “We have worked hard to create a work environment for our staff that recognizes, rewards, and promotes excellence in patient care delivery. This award acknowledges that we have reached a level of success in this effort that sets us apart. It’s an honor to be part of a health care team that recognizes that it requires excellent people to provide excellent care to our patients.”

Magnet Status is awarded only after a voluntary, rigorous peer-review process that includes both a lengthy application and an on-site visit. Only one percent of some 6,000 hospitals in the country have attained Magnet Status. The Alaska Native Medical Center is the 71st hospital to receive this recognition. Of those 71, it is one of only four with 150-beds or fewer. The Alaska Native Medical Center is the first Alaska facility, and the first tribal facility, to receive Magnet Status.

“Leadership, physicians, administrators, ancillary support staff – all Alaska Native Medical Center staff – work together with nursing, creating an organization that allows nursing to excel,” said Pauline Stubberud, Southcentral Foundation nurse executive at the Alaska Native Medical Center. “I’m proud that we’ve been able to foster the dynamic, collaborative relationships that led to this award.”

The Alaska Native Medical Center serves all Alaska Natives and American Indians in Alaska and is jointly owned and managed by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and Southcentral Foundation, the non-profit health care affiliate of CIRI.