Southcentral Foundation Receives Funds to Study Alaska Native Cancer and Chronic Disease

In November, Southcentral Foundation will begin a long-term health study of Alaska Natives and American Indians to learn what lifestyle factors cause illnesses among Native people. The study, called Education and Research Towards Health (EARTH) will help determine how diet, physical activity and other lifestyle and cultural factors influence the development of chronic disease.
EARTH project staff are seeking Alaska Native and/or American Indian men and women who are age 18 or older and living in Anchorage to participate in the study.
Participants will complete a detailed questionnaire on a touch-screen computer, with questions about medical, family, and smoking history, alcohol use, diet, and physical activity. The project study areas will include depression, spirituality, and care.
The study will help Alaska Natives learn how to prevent diseases, stay healthy, and promote overall good health for themselves and their families. This study of the Alaska Native population is important because chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, are increasing among Alaska Native people. Participant enrollment will begin November 2003. For more information and to enroll, contact Lynn Peterson at (907) 729-3258.

Totem Pole Raising at Alaska Native Heritage Center
Renowned carver Nathan Jackson, Tlingit, was commissioned to design and create a 30-foot totem pole for the Alaska Native Heritage Center. His design depicts the role of the Center in “reopening the box of knowledge” for Alaska’s Native people and was raised on August 23 during a public ceremony and dedication.
Among the Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska, totem poles were used to record family crests, document stories and legends, and to mark special events. Traditional totem poles were created with great meaning and symbolism. For the educated eye, a totem pole can tell the story of a great battle, of personal accomplishment and transformation, or of a beloved or revered ancestor. Totem poles continue to capture the imagination. Sites such as the Totem Heritage Center, Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Village offer excellent examples of this impressive art form.

Cook Inlet Tribal Council Services Directory Available
Since 1983, Cook Inlet Tribal Council has provided a variety of social, education, and employment services to Alaska Natives and Native Americans living in the Cook Inlet region. The organization administers more than 40 culturally appropriate programs serving an average of 13,000 Alaska Natives and Native Americans.

Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s social service programs are classified under seven main departments: Alaska’s People, Educational Services, Employment and Training Services, Family Services, Shared Services, Substance Abuse Services, and Youth Opportunity. A comprehensive listing of the services provided within each of these departments is now available in the Cook Inlet Tribal Council Services Directory. The directory includes information about each of the numerous new programs and services that Cook Inlet Tribal Council has developed and the appropriate contact information. For a copy of the Cook Inlet Tribal Council Services Directory, call (907) 265-5900, toll free at (877) 985-5900, or download a PDF version at www.citci.com/whats_new/recent_pubs.html.

Alaska’s People Can Assist with Career Changes
John Rine, an Alaska’s People employment specialist, and CIRI shareholder Linda Johnson have worked together to find Johnson an appropriate position in her chosen career field. Johnson, a 1987 Valdez High School graduate, first came to Alaska’s People in 1996, originally seeking employment in a housekeeping position. Later she decided to change careers to become a long-haul truck driver.

Johnson attended the United States Truck Driving School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and received her credentials in truck driving. After she graduated, she worked for a Tulsa trucking company driving a tanker truck hauling hot asphalt. She returned to Alaska and obtained her Class “A” Commercial Drivers License with the endorsements X.T. She also continued her education by completing a 20-hour construction driving class.

When Johnson returned to Alaska’s People with her truck driving experience and credentials, Alaska’s People staff were able to locate a position for her with a U.S. Postal Service trucking contractor hauling mail. This position required spotting trailers at post offices around Anchorage and backing semi-trailers to the freight docks during the winter months. After the position ended, Alaska’s People helped Johnson obtain a position with a long-haul company hauling freight to the Lower 48. Currently, Johnson is driving the Alaska Highway.

“It’s been a real pleasure working with Linda,” said Rine. “With her talent and education she really made it effortless for us to find her a job in her chosen career field.”

Rine emphasized that it is important for Alaska’s People clients to research career fields and the necessary education to obtain employment in that field. He also encourages employment seekers not to be afraid to come to Alaska’s People and ask for help with job searches or career changes.

For more information about Alaska’s People, contact them at (907) 263-7013 or toll-free (888) 553-1213.