The 26th Annual Rural Providers’ Conference (RPC) was held for the first time in Kodiak on June 1-5, 2009.  The RPC was co-sponsored by the Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc. (RurAL CAP) and Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA) with the theme, “Lighting the Lamp for Strength in Unity”.  Over 200 people from throughout the state were greeted with a warm welcome and wonderful hospitality by KANA and its community partners. 

Rome Moe - Kodiak Alutiiq Dancers from RPC Rome Moe of the Kodiak Alutiiq dance group performed during the RPC Cultural Potluck. The Kodiak Alutiiq Dance group has recently been revived in on Kodiak Island. Photo by Nick Gonzales, Akeela.

The RPC is an annual gathering designed for rural Alaskans who are substance abuse service providers, youth, Elders and family members interested in celebrating and encouraging the continual growth of the Alaska Native Sobriety Movement.  It embraces and unites traditional Alaska Native knowledge and modern treatment methods in the battle against alcohol and drug abuse. Conference highlights included evening cultural performances, talking circles, keynote addresses, workshops and a youth track. Keynote presenters included Lydia Olson of Kodiak, Jim Miller of Port Graham, and Doug Modig of Anchorage.  To watch video clips of the keynote speeches, click here:  http://tinyurl.com/npefuw.

Evening performances included the Kodiak Alutiiq Dancers, Kodiak Island Drummers and St. Innocent’s Academy performers.  Since its formation in 1984, the RPC has traveled to 11 different Alaskan communities, with each hosting the conference for two consecutive years. The 2009 RPC featured sessions focusing on cultural/traditional healing, alcohol and drug abuse, overcoming grief, suicide prevention, and physical and sexual abuse.  The Youth track included a visit to the Alutiiq Museum, kayak field trip, and a “What is Culture?” workshop with Loren Anderson of the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Over 30 youth were also among the attendees for the youth track sessions.

Nancy Nelson and Julie Knagin lighting the lamp Nancy Nelson (Kodiak Island Native Association) and Julie Knagin (Kodiak, Elder) light the oil lamp during the opening ceremonies of the Rural Providers Conference. Photo by Nick Gonzales, Akeela.

The conference was funded by the Alaska State Dept. of Commerce, Community & Economic Development, Alaska State Dept. of Health & Human Services, Elihu Foundation Charitable Trust, First Alaskans Institute, Koniag, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank Alaska.  Partners for the conference included Kodiak Island Housing Authority, Native Village of Afognak, St. Innocent's Academy, Sun'aq Tribe and Woody Island Tribal Council. A report of the proceedings will be posted on RurAL CAP’s website in August at www.ruralcap.com. 

RurAL CAP, a statewide, 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, has been working to improve the quality of life for low-income Alaskans since 1965.  RurAL CAP employed more than 700 people in 2008 with expenditures of over $21 million.  It provides resources and services to enhance child and family development, improve housing, reduce energy costs, develop leadership, protect traditional uses of fish and game, promote environmental responsiveness, support health and wellness, develop and assist with community plans, and foster independent living.  Child development programs including Head Start and Parents as Teachers are the largest of RurAL CAP services with more than 200 employees working in over 20 communities across the state.

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2009 Rural Providers' Conference