On Saturday, March 7th, the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center hosted a day with Indigenous Healers. The day began outdoors with a smudging ceremony, where participants were cleansed and then asked to set intentions for the gathering. Next, the Dene’ Eslaanh Dance Group invited everyone to join in singing and dancing—filling the atrium with movement, joy, and shared energy. Elders and youth gave speeches of health and wellness, and traditional healer, Dr. Allison Kelliher, presented medicine bags to Physician Assistants Mara Becker and Marilyn Attla, who are training in Indigenous Healing techniques.
Attendees signed up to receive acupuncture, healing touch, reiki, traditional healing, massage, and counseling. Artists taught beadwork and gillnet weaving, and Native Arts and Crafts vendors and plant medicine resource tables were on site as well.
The event was a peaceful, uplifting place for healing and a preview of a future program where beneficiaries can obtain similar services at the clinic as part of their care. We would like to thank all who came and participated in this event, especially our partners, Interior Wellness Healers, Alaska Native Birthworkers, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Indigenous Studies.
