Florendo, LeLeetkwei Canoe Prow House, Lukaax.ádi, Ghunaaxoo Kwáan Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska
We’re Not Sharing Our Knowledge (with those who matter) This session will discuss the disproportionate numbers of Alaska Native children represented in AK Office of Children’s Services and Division of Juvenile Justice caseloads to highlight the disconnection between “Telling Our Stories” and what is really happening with Tlingit and Haida families – especially in Alaska. Tribal children and their families are at risk for family disruption by the two State agencies, which has varied results. Many children and their families have not participated in “Telling Our Stories” at home, at their grandparent’s knee, or with their clan. Many children do not have names, nor do they know what their clan is. Many attend funerals and memorials; however, they are not necessarily familiar with the ceremonies and why they happen. We need the assistance of clan leaders, clan mothers, and others to serve as “qualified Indian expert witnesses” to counter the trend of adopting out Native children. We also need clan volunteers to assist families re-connect and benefit from what can happen when we tell our stories. We are hopeful this arena will generate positive responses.
