On September 10, communities across the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) region came together to mark World Suicide Prevention Day with a shared message: You Matter. You Are Not Alone. Help is Here.
From Fairbanks to Northway, Galena, Nulato, Huslia, and Arctic Village, people of all ages came together to remember loved ones, raise awareness, support those who may be struggling, and remind one another that hope and connection are always worth carrying forward.
Walking to Remember in Fairbanks
In Fairbanks, more than 80 people braved the rainy weather and joined together at the Chief Peter John Tribal Building Pavilion where they were given flowers and bibs on which they could dedicate their walk to a loved one they had lost to suicide.
Participants selected strands of colored beads, signifying their purpose in walking: purple to remember someone who died by suicide, blue for suicide survivors, gold for hope, green for allyship, red to break stigma, and orange for mental health field workers.
Laverne Huntington opened the event with a touching personal story and a prayer of hope and healing for everyone present. Kameron Reitan, the TCC’s Wellness & Prevention Native Connections Project Coordinator, then asked participants to raise their beads in an honoring dedication ceremony.
Sierra Sommer from the Alaska Careline also shared about Fairbanks’s local 988 hotline, saying, “When you call, you get someone here. Someone who knows what the cold and the dark are like. Someone who gets it.”
Participants then joined together for a short walk to the Golden Heart Plaza and back. Despite the persistent rain, spirits were high with much laughter, remembrance, and tears throughout the walk. As the walkers returned to the pavilion, it was clear that the rain could not dampen the message they carried with them: together, we can remember those we have lost, support those who are struggling, and keep hope moving forward.
Walking to Raise Awareness in Northway
In Northway, about 30 people, including students as young as first grade through adults, turned out for their Suicide Prevention Walk.
Joetta Colquette, TCC’s Behavioral Health Clinical Associate II at the Upper Tanana Health Center, opened the event with the Musk Ox Story and shared the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) sequence to remind participants how they can help someone experiencing a suicidal crisis access the help they need.
Participants then took to the road wearing T-shirts stating “You Matter” across the front and carrying signs with messages of love and support. Walkers shared that this was a meaningful event on a beautiful day.
Ana maasee’ to the staff and volunteers who helped make these events possible, as well as everyone who turned up in all kinds of weather to support this important cause.
Walking for Support in Galena
In Galena, TCC’s Department of Wellness and Prevention partnered with My Grandma’s House and Alaska Commercial Company (AC) to host a Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk alongside AC’s Customer Appreciation Day.
My Grandma’s House provided snacks, water and resources for participants. The event brought together 25 youth from kindergarten through 12th grade and 20 community members.
Participants wore “Walking in Memory” bibs to honor loved ones while walking together in support of hope, healing and connection.
TCC also hosted a Wall of Hope, where students and community members shared encouraging messages for anyone who may be struggling or feeling alone. Following the walk, TCC staff remained available to provide support and connect participants with resources.
Walking for Prevention in Nulato
In Nulato, the Nulato Tribal Council partnered with TCC Systems of Care and Andrew K. Demoski School to bring youth, Elders and community members together for a Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk.
The September 10 event brought together 25 youth, 29 young adults and adults, and five Elders. Participants wore blue and purple as they walked together to honor loved ones lost to suicide while raising awareness about suicide prevention services and resources.
The event was also an opportunity for the community to heal together and demonstrate the strength that comes from supporting one another. Nulato Tribal staff shared, “Maasee’ to our community, TCC System of Care, and our Andrew K. Demoski School. We would also like to thank our subregion for participating; we are stronger together.”
Walking for Community in Huslia
In Huslia, community members gathered on September 10 for a Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk. Participants decorated T-shirts donated for the event with messages supporting suicide prevention and awareness.
The walk brought together 41 participants ranging in age from 1 to 92 years old, creating an opportunity for multiple generations of the community to walk together in support of hope, healing and connection. Participants also enjoyed door prizes donated by Karen Kallen-Brown and the Huslia Tribe.
Walking for Connection in Arctic Village
Arctic Village also joined communities across the region by hosting a Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk on September 11.
The Arctic Village walk continued the region-wide message that no one has to face difficult times alone and that every person has a role in building connection, hope and support within their community.
Help is Here
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is here. Call or text the Alaska Careline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to chat with live support. TCC Behavioral Health is also here to help at 907-459-3800 (option 2 for after-hours care).
