University of Alaska Fairbanks
The University of Alaska Fairbanks is the flagship institution of the University of Alaska system. UAF advances and disseminates knowledge by focusing on creative teaching, research, and public service with an emphasis on Alaska, the North, and their diverse peoples.
UAF’s role in the Ch’eghutsen’ project makes sense. This project is a creative endeavor, a departure from traditional Western methods of social service and the services provided are tailored specifically to meet a unique need of Alaskan people that were not being served.
One of the top priorities set by Ch’eghutsen’ is staff training. In order to build skills to support the challenging work ahead; to prevent provider turnover; to prevent provider burn-out; and to promote system change it was recognized that Alaska Native providers needed to be credentialed.
UAF has collaborated with Ch’eghutsen’ to provide classes that are culturally grounded and focused on services to children and families. While maintaining the university standards of academic rigor, staff have the benefits of mentoring from Alaska Native Elders, and learning the skills that will be needed to serve their people.
The Rural Human Service Training provided through UAF includes courses that focus on children’s mental health training. Some of these courses include training in fetal alcohol syndrome, attachment, separation and loss, group counseling and culturally grounded responses to post traumatic stress and intergenerational trauma.
Ch’eghutsen’ staff have now completed the Rural Human Services Certificate Program and the staff is working toward earning their Associate of Applied Science degree in Human Service Vocations (HSV).
This fulfills the vision of the Circles of Care Planning Council to have credentialed Alaska Native providers serving their home communities.
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