Health Summit
Dear Editor: The Sitka Health Summit Coalition recently held the annual planning day at the UAS Sitka campus. Thank you to the community partners and members that made it an amazing day! The goals chosen address two important populations: our elders and our children.
Childcare has been heavy on all of our hearts for months now as we hear about the struggles our neighbors are going through. A group of concerned citizens brought that idea forward and it was chosen by community vote as one of the goals for the Sitka Health Summit to fund and the community to support over the next year. The childcare planning group is meeting later this month to get rolling on that goal.
For the second goal, one of Sitka’s emerging young leaders, Pacific High student Gabe McCleland, made an impassioned plea to give more time, attention, services and resources to our elders. I had the absolute joy of seeing his face when it was announced his idea was one of the two that had won the vote. I saw gratitude and relief written all over it. He closed his eyes, threw his head back, and pumped his fist. He continues to lead by example as he attends planning group meetings for this community goal. Gunalchéesh, Gabe! Recentering and honoring our elders and working to improve the quality of their services and facilities is a value that resonates with so many of us here in Sitka.
The selection of these two goals reminds me of the Lingít cultural value of “Haa Shuká” – honoring our ancestors and future generations. Hearing the wisdom from elders, understanding it ourselves, and passing it on to the next generation cannot happen if we do not foster a culture of inclusivity and wellbeing for both younger and older populations. You can learn more about the concept of Haa Shuká here: https://youtu.be/f3_aIY5CnMM
The planning group for elder services and facilities invites you to join us at a fun kickoff event 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at the ANB Founders Hall. It will include a fry bread fundraiser by Rachel Moreno, naming contest for the group, volunteer and newsletter signups, and Bingo-cise demonstration (bingo and light exercise combined.)
For more info call 907-738-3557.
Courtney MacArthur, Member,
Sitka Health Summit Coalition
Supplies to Ukraine
Dear Editor: Sitka School District’s former music teacher John DePalatis is getting needed medical supplies into Ukraine.
John works with his Ukraine friend Julia, a former flight attendant turned military medic for the war.
To learn more, Google ‘‘Johna nd Julia save.’’
Spike and Jean Arnold, Sitka
Assembly Candidate
Dear Editor: Please vote this coming municipal election. In particular, I find Chris Ystad has the qualifications an Assembly should have. He is currently serving on several commissions, and knows Roberts Rules of Order.
He supports a boat haulout (which, by the way, I have been advocating for the last six years) and he is a commercial fisherman here in Sitka.
Remember to get out and vote. Listen to each and every candidate. Pay attention to what they will bring to the Assembly. And do your part to know what our issues are at the Assembly.
Vote for Chris Ystad. We need his experience and knowledge.
Ben Miyasato, Sitka
