Keet Kids Run I
Dear Editor: Sitka’s first season of Keet Kids Run I toowú klatseen concluded mid-December with a 5K fun run and final video call between coaches and participants. Keet Kids Run is a 10-week virtual after-school program for second- through fifth-graders that helps build self-esteem, healthy relationship skills, and respect. The program is an abbreviated version of Boys Run I toowú klatseen created in response to limitations brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. It works to combat Alaska’s high rates of suicide, substance abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault by teaching children to recognize and process emotions, and connecting them to adult mentors and Southeast Alaska traditional culture and values.
This season of Keet Kids Run was made possible by incredible community support and collaboration, and we at Sitkans Against Family Violence are grateful for each agency and individual who dedicated their time, energy, resources, and enthusiasm to the program. Upon realizing that COVID-19 would make in-person implementation of Boys Run I toowú klatseen impossible, SAFV’s partners within the Peer Culture Workgroup of the Pathways to a Safer Sitka Community Coalition stepped in to help adapt the program to occur virtually.
Casey Demmert and Diana Twaddle from Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary School supported recruitment and communication between coaches and participants. Ian Crane with the Sitka School District and KGH’s Cindy Duncan provided technical assistance as we transferred the program to Microsoft Teams. Alec Duncan played a role on the program’s planning task force. Both he and Missy Mongiovi, employees of Sitka Counseling, served as Keet Kids Run coaches. Sitka Tribe of Alaska, a partner that helped to develop the original Boys Run program, contributed in many ways to Keet Kids Run. STA’s Hillary Nutting and Chuck Miller served on the program’s planning task force.
Additionally, Chuck shared his knowledge of Southeast Alaska traditional culture and values with participants by recording weekly value videos for them to watch. He and Alex Johnson-Rice, both STA employees, also coached for the program. Many thanks to STA’s Mark Sixbey, who developed a beautiful formline logo for Keet Kids Run. Sydney Carter, Cathie Healey and Jamie Hovis with Youth Advocates of Sitka acted on the program planning task force; Cathie and Jamie served as Keet Kids Run coaches as well. Johnny Elliott, a former Boys Run coach, volunteered his time to coach for Keet Kids Run this season. The success of this adapted program is due to the time and enthusiasm of all our partners.
Thank you to Raven Radio, KIFW and the Sitka Sentinel for allowing us to advertise for the program through their channels. Thanks to Harrigan Centennial Hall for providing us with a COVID-safe space to begin our socially distant 5K fun run, and to Sitka National Historical Park for donating the 5K park permit.
Many thanks are owed to the 35 second- to fifth-graders who participated in Keet Kids Run I toowú klatseen this fall, and to the parents and guardians who supported them in doing so. Participants have shown incredible strength of spirit throughout this season, and it’s been a privilege to watch them grow and learn.
Throughout the program, participants learned to process emotions and resolve conflicts in healthy ways, to practice allyship, and to celebrate cultural diversity. We have faith that they’ll continue putting these skills and practices to use throughout their lives.
For years, we’ve seen the Sitka community support Boys Run I toowú klatseen and Girls on the Run. We can’t thank you enough for pouring just as much enthusiasm and care into Keet Kids Run, and for your dedication to holding up our community’s children.
We’re excited to offer Keet Kids Run again this spring to second- through fifth-graders of all genders! Keep an eye out for registration information in the coming months and contact Kera Jefferson at kjefferson@safv.org or 747-3493 with any questions.
With gratitude,
Sitkans Against Family Violence and Pathways to a Safer
Sitka Coalition
