Cultural Connectedness
Alaska is home to 229 federally recognized tribes with at least twenty distinct indigenous languages. A neighborhood in Anchorage has been recognized as the most diverse in the country, with 99 languages other than English spoken. Alaskans are known to live and work in some of the toughest environments in the country. Overall, Alaskan culture is diverse, colorful, hard to pin down, and resilient. Alaska Native peoples have lived on and been stewards of this land for tens of thousands of years and have survived incredible challenges, including colonization. Alaska Native communities vary widely across the state, with unique cultural practices, languages and values in all five regions. Communities are actively revitalizing cultural practices that were diminished by colonization, implementing language immersion opportunities, and reconnecting with traditional ways, while living in a very modern world. This adaptability is a sign of incredible resilience, and is just one of ways cultural connectedness is a sign of strength in Alaska.
We need to continue to support and investigate a strong relationship with culture as a protective factor against all types of violence in our state. Not only will this allow us to better recognize some current practices as violence prevention, but it could allow new, more effective prevention activities to emerge based on the distinct culture and wisdom of each unique Alaskan community.
Alaska Native peoples have lived on and been stewards of this land for tens of thousands of years and have survived incredible challenges, including colonization.
Resilience
Experiencing trauma as a child doesn’t guarantee a person will suffer from worse health outcomes. Resilience is the ability to heal, overcome and even thrive despite exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences. Resilience can be developed at any period over the lifetime. Emerging science tells us that the brain can change and heal, reducing the effects of trauma, and improving health and wellness. We can create environments, practices and policies that support the development of resilience and reduce the effects of childhood trauma, thereby reducing rates of domestic and sexual violence.
Social and Emotional Learning
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. For a growing number of schools and districts, SEL has become a coordinating framework for how educators, families, and communities partner to promote students’ social, emotional, and academic learning. In our state, the Association of Alaska School Boards is doing innovative work integrating SEL with culturally responsive education in meaningful and hopeful ways.