By ARIADNE WILL
Sentinel Staff Writer
Sitka Brave Heart Volunteers wants to start listening differently.
For the past 20 years the organization’s members have been providing services such as end-of-life support and respite and grief support, all the while training new volunteers.
Now, the nonprofit group is conducting an oral history project.
In partnership with students of a Sitka-based educational program, the Outer Coast Summer Seminar, Brave Heart aims to record memories and stories told by Pioneers Home residents.
Kathryn Winslow, program manager at Brave Heart Volunteers, hosts a virtual meeting at the organization’s office this morning with a group of volunteers. (Sentinel Photo)
But it’s beginning in a different direction, said BHV Executive Director Angie DelMoral, because the Pioneers Home is closed to visitors after the recent spike in COVID-19 cases.
So instead of interviewing Pioneers Home residents, the Summer Seminar students will start by interviewing long-time Brave Heart volunteers.
DelMoral says there’s plenty of history to be collected from the volunteers themselves.
“I think interviewing volunteers gives us a well-rounded look at the project,” she said.
And DelMoral has a specific idea of what this kind of interviewing looks like — she, herself, would often visit the Pioneer Home with a couple of questions in mind when she was a volunteer.
“There’s a wealth of knowledge and history and memories in the Pioneers Home and around Sitka,” she told the Sentinel. “Our volunteers can go in armed with questions and can glean all this knowledge.”
Program Manager Kathryn Winslow says the project isn’t just about making people feel heard, but about making their histories accessible.
“What does this end product look like and how do we reach different learning styles?” Winslow asked.
She added that the project is about creating something that can be shared throughout the community: “It’s not just me, it’s not just Angie, it’s bringing the community together.”
But the direction the project takes isn’t entirely for Winslow and DelMoral to decide: BHV wants the Outer Coast students to take the lead.
Winslow says the outcome could be a podcast and snippets for Raven Radio, written transcripts of the conversations Outer Coast students have, or some other kind of media presentation.
Either way, she and DelMoral feel the project is in good hands.
“We’re letting (the students) take the lead on what this looks like,” DelMoral said.
And Winslow hopes that this will be an opportunity for a younger generation to listen in ways they may not have done before.
“What are some things you hold near and dear and how do you pass that to future generations?” she asked.
Among those the students will be interviewing is DelMoral, herself.
“I’m excited,” DelMoral said. “I’m excited to see what they want to know.”
DelMoral has been Brave Heart executive director for five years, and was a volunteer for five before that.
“I’m happy to (be interviewed) because I love Brave Heart with all my heart and would love to convey that to them,” she said. “I want them to walk away knowing that I totally believe in the organization, from start to finish.”
