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Kenaitze Indian Tribe

Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina

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An Important Message to our Elders

March 14, 2020

Important Message to our Elders

March 13, 2020

A message to our Elders:

To help slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect our Elders, the Tribe has made the decision to close Tyotkas Elder Center starting Monday, March 16. While Tyotkas will be closed, the staff will continue to prepare meals and will make arrangements for delivery to those we serve. For questions about the closure or to make arrangements for meal delivery, please contact the Tyotkas’ staff at 907-335-7280.

In making this decision, Tribal Administration is following guidance from state and federal health and public safety agencies. We will continue to closely monitor the situation, and make further decisions based on the best information available. Updates will be posted as they become available on the Tribe’s Facebook page and website: www.kenaitze.org.

The Tribe is taking several steps to help prevent the spread of the disease and help the people most in need. The best ways to avoid getting sick are:

• Practice good hand hygiene – This includes washing your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. Avoid touching people and things as much as possible, and avoid touching your face as much as possible. If you are coughing or sneezing, do so into your elbow instead of your hands. Use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol when hand washing is not possible.

• If you are sick, stay home!

• Avoid large gatherings – The CDC recommends at least six (6) feet of distance to help prevent the spread of germs. This means avoiding concerts, rallies and other events where large groups of people gather.

• For current travel recommendations and restrictions, see the CDC’s most current information at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html.

You may also find more information about COVID-19 at the following website: http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/COVID-19/default.aspx.

Thank you for your help and cooperation to limit the spread of this virus and to protect the health of our community. Our Tribal values include love, respect and care for our family, our children, our Elders and our neighbors. The coming weeks will be challenging, but it is a challenge we can overcome.

Chiqinik, Thank you

_________________________

Wayne D. Wilson, Jr.

Tribal Council Chair

Kenaitze Indian Tribe

Filed Under: Stories

Kenaitze Indian Tribe

Locations

Kenaitze Administration • (907) 335-7200
Dena'ina Wellness Center • (907) 335-7500
Early Childhood Center • (907) 335-7260
Yaghanen Youth Programs • (907) 335-7290
Tyotkas Elder Services • (907) 335-7280
Na’ini Family and Social Services • (907) 335-7600
Kenaitze Tribal Court • (907) 335-7219

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Heidi King, NCAC II, CDCS

Recovery Support Manager/Counselor
Heidi has eight years of experience in the chemical dependency field. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Women’s Studies, from the University of Alaska. She is a nationally accredited Chemical Dependency Clinician, and a state accredited Chemical Dependency Clinical Supervisor.

Heidi has a background in providing residential chemical dependency counseling. She is certified as a Conflict Resolution and Relapse Prevention Trainer with the National Association of Addiction Counselors. She is also a certified Peer Supports Trainer and Supervisor through the Alaska Commission of Behavioral Health Certification.

When she’s not serving un’ina, Heidi teaches yoga as a certified and registered instructor. She also enjoys hiking, fishing, and spending time with her child, spouse, and numerous pets, camping all over Alaska.

Heidi provides chemical dependency counseling services in group settings and individual sessions.

Heidi can personally relate to chemical dependency and is passionate about helping those seeking recovery supports. For Heidi, healing is community, and community is an important part of connection with one’s self. She sees the positive ripple effect that healing can provide throughout the community.

Fridrik Rafn Gudmundsson, MSW, LCSW

Recovery Support Manager
Fridrik has earned his master’s degree in Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He studied massage therapy in Iceland, and became fascinated with the mind-body connection. He completed his undergraduate degree in philosophy with a psychology minor.

Fridrik has had the opportunity to live in four countries and to travel to many others. He counts finding and marrying the love of his life and adopting his son among his greatest accomplishments. He is grateful to be able to live in this beautiful and sacred part of the world and to serve the Tribe and un’ina, “those who come to us.”

When he’s not serving un’ina, Fridrik loves spending time with his family, hiking, kayaking, camping, fishing, traveling, and having fun. He enjoys learning, listening to music, and taking time for spiritual practice.

Fridrik provides assessments and individual, family and group psychotherapy at Chuq’eya Qenq’a, Birch Tree House.

For Fridrik, coming to the Kenaitze Indian Tribe felt like coming home. The more he learned about the Tribe and its history, as well as the history of the Alaska Native people, the more he knew he had found a place to be of service.

Teresa A. Ford, MSW, LMSW

Behavioral Health Clinician
Teresa earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Limestone University in South Carolina, and her master’s degree in Social Work from Campbellsville University in Kentucky. Teresa’s experience includes serving homeless and other disadvantaged populations, as well as work in outpatient rehabilitation, hospice, chemical dependency, adult and adolescent counseling, and prevention.

Teresa appreciates the Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s traditional values. She sees them as a driving force in how we treat ourselves and others, and how we serve those in need of help.

When not serving un’ina, “those who come to us,” Teresa spends her time bonding with her family, creating and traveling. She also enjoys learning about Alaska Native culture, exploring new hobbies, and gardening.

Teresa provides individual, family, and group therapy services. Teresa takes a variety of approaches to therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Teresa has always been a helper at heart. Being able to overcome the things she experienced growing up in South Carolina empowered and inspired her to help others navigate through their life journeys.