Workforce Development
Dear Editor: As a worker who was hit hard by the effects of the pandemic, I’d like to state my strong support for the proposal to establish a new statewide workforce development program called Trails Build Alaska. This program will generate positive effects in our economy by reducing unemployment and by restoring the infrastructure that attracts visitors to Sitka’s outdoors.
I was finally fulfilling my dream of continuing my education when COVID hit. The hands on Merchant Mariner program in Seward that I was attending was fully halted by public health measures. Having spent my savings on furthering my education, just to end up back in Sitka with few job prospects in the winter season, was a tremendous setback.
But last fall brought something different; not just a job to eke by, but work with living wages, training, and a chance to give back as a member of the Community Conservation Corps. The Sitka Conservation Society led this CCC with CARES Act funds dispersed by the City of Sitka through their transitional employment program. We built trails, cleared brush, and improved our public spaces. At the same time, we had extensive training for the work at hand, like chainsaw safety, and to prepare for future jobs, like report drafting and business planning. For the first time in a long time I was not just surviving, but thriving.
While the CARES Act expired at the end of last year, we have a chance to do it again. Trails Build Alaska is a new proposal to set aside about 1% of the American Rescue Plan stimulus funds received by the state of Alaska to put people to work on trails.
I know that there are many more Sitkans still looking for work after the pandemic and goodness, our public lands need the extra attention. Our trails allow Sitkans and tourists to experience our spectacular rainforest, wildlife, and cultural heritage, but many are in disrepair after years of our rugged Alaskan weather systems.
I genuinely appreciated the Sentinel’s coverage last month in “Rescue Act Funds Sought for Alaska Trails” and would also like to thank Representative Kreiss-Tomkins for his support of the program. I’d like to urge the legislature and Governor Dunleavy to prioritize a new investment in Alaskans, our future and in our beautiful home.
Optimistically signed,
Susan Shorey, Sitka
Homeless Housing
Dear Editor: While I approve the sentiment of the Homeless Coalition, things have gotten out of proportion. The most recent plan is to spend about $2 million building tiny homes for about 15 homeless folks. This would happen on a Mental Health property at the head of Jarvis Street.
While I oppose spending as much on each homeless person for a tiny home than it would cost to house a working family in a mobile home, I do support a transitional housing model predicated on requiring residents to pursue defined educational, mental health, and medical rehabilitation programs.
John Welsh, Sitka
Keet Kids Run
Dear Editor: Sitka’s second season of Keet Kids Run I toowú klatseen concluded mid-May with a final video call between coaches and participants and a 5K community color run. 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 tribal culture and values.
This spring 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 last fall, SAFV’s partners on the Peer Culture Workgroup of the Pathways to a Safer Sitka Community Coalition came together to help adapt the program so it could occur virtually.
This spring was our second iteration of the program and those who developed the program continued to work to improve it for this season.
Casey Demmert and Diana Twaddle from Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary School supported recruitment and communication between coaches and participants. 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 (STA), a partner that helped to develop the original Boys Run program, also contributed 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. 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, who has coached for Boys Run the last few years, volunteered his time to coach for Keet Kids Run this season. Ally Brennan, an Americorps Volunteer, also served as a coach for Keet Kids Run for this season. Chuck Miller, Alex Johnson-Rice, and Alec Duncan gave powerful speeches to help inspire the participants before they ran at our 5K event. The success of this adapted program is due to the time and enthusiasm of many partners.
Thank you to Raven Radio, KIFW, and the Sitka Sentinel for allowing us to advertise for the program through their channels. Thanks to the city harbor department for providing us with a COVID-safe space to begin our socially distant 5K color run, and to Sitka National Historical Park for donating the 5K park permit. We also thank Sea Mart for their generosity in giving us food and gift card donations for our event.
Many thanks to the 32 second- to fifth-graders and their amazing guardians and families who participated in Keet Kids Run I toowú klatseen this spring. 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 are confident they will continue putting these skills and practices to use in their everyday lives.
For years, we’ve seen the Sitka community support Boys Run I toowú klatseen and Girls on the Run each fall and spring. 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. With gratitude,
Kera Jefferson for
Sitkans Against Family Violence and Pathways to a Safer Sitka Coalition
