Dear Editor: I would like to thank everyone who made the 11th season of Boys Run I toowú klatseen a success this spring! Thirty-one third- through fifth-grade boys spent 10 weeks building confidence and life skills while forming new friendships and training for a dinosaur-themed 5K.
We could not have had such a successful 5K without the support of BRITK families, friends, and community members who came to set up, run with participants, and cheerlead along the course. Thank you to everyone who helped to make our 5K successful and fun!
Boys Run I toowú klatseen is coordinated in Sitka by partners of the Pathways to a Safer Sitka Coalition. Those of us at Sitkans Against Family Violence are grateful to Pathways partners City of Sitka Parks and Recreation, Kéet Gooshí Héen, Sitka Conservation Society, Sitka Counseling, Sitka Tribe of Alaska and Youth Advocates of Sitka for contributing coaches to serve as role models, planning and facilitating aspects of the program, providing resources, and helping to make the 5K possible. We also feel fortunate to have worked with six community members who volunteered to coach this season.
Boys Run I toowú klatseen also receives support from local and statewide businesses and organizations that made this season possible. We would like to thank the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, KCAW, Russell’s, Sea Mart, Sitka National Historical Park, and the Sitka Sentinel for their contributions.
We are grateful to offer this program on Lingít Aaní, and we are grateful to the Lingít people for stewarding this land since time immemorial. Boys Run I toowú klatseen is rooted in Southeast Alaska traditional tribal values and throughout the season, participants have learned about these values and what they look like in their daily lives, from holding each other up as a team to speaking with care when facing challenging conversations.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to and participated in this season! We are excited to offer Boys Run I toowú klatseen and Girls on the Run in the upcoming school year. If you are interested in participating, coaching, or volunteering with either program, please reach out to schools@safv.org or 907 747-3493. We would love to have you join us in this important work!
Gunalchéesh,
Claire Weber,
Boys Run I toowú klatseen
Coordinator, SAFV
