By ARIADNE WILL
Special to the Sentinel
Sitka Tribe of Alaska will host a back-to-school fair 4-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, at Sitka High School. It’s free and open to all.
Organizers said tribal youths can enroll to receive a backpack and gift card for new shoes. Currently, 180 tribal youths are registered, and those interested can sign up on the wait list by contacting Jean Swanson at 747-3968 or jean.swanson@sitkatribe-nsn.gov.
While backpacks and gift cards are for tribal members, organizers hope that everyone interested will take advantage of the resources that will be offered.
“For those who are not tribal enrolled, we welcome them, we want them to enjoy themselves and socialize and enjoy the resources as well,” said Melonie Boord, social services director at STA.
Sitka Tribe of Alaska’s social services workers hold a banner in front of their office on Katlian Street Monday. STA is hosting a back-to-school kids fair on August 9. Pictured are, from left, Melonie Boord, social services director; Jade Nodes, intake specialist; Krista Perala, ICWA caseworker; Kelsey Carney, transitional housing manager; David Voluck, ICWA counsel; Juan Cediel, Americorps volunteer; Hillary Nutting, youth services coordinator; Lillian Young, cultural resources director; and Jean Swanson, outreach family caseworker. (Sentinel Photo)
The fair will feature many activities, including face painting, bowling, and demonstrations of Native Youth Olympic games.
Boord said the event wouldn’t be possible without the help of Sitka High Principal Laura Rogers and Vice Principal Sondra Lundvick.
“The principal and vice principal have been very accommodating,” Boord said. “They’ve offered the facility and are going to be there, socializing and supporting as they can. We’re very appreciative of them.”
Jean Swanson, a tribal family caseworker and an organizer of the event, said the Sitka School District will have a large presence at the fair.
“There are a lot of packets that don’t necessarily get gone through at the beginning of the year, so people are not aware of some of the programs the district offers,” she said. “We’ll have district personnel assisting with going through the different programs that they have.”
The fair will feature many resources: AMSEA, Babies and Books, Center for Community Disability Services, Girl Scouts, Hames Center, Imagination Library, Infant Learning Program, National Guard, Sitkans Against Family Violence, SEARHC, Sitka Counseling and Prevention, Sitka Fire Department, Sitka School District, Sitka Native Education Program, Sitka Police Department, STA, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Youth Advocates of Sitka, and 4-H.
“I’m excited for the kids to have fun at the same time as the parents are receiving their resources,” Swanson said. “Working in social services, that’s what we do – a lot of resource gathering to make sure people can get what they need.”
Community members and groups interested in having a table with information or goods can contact Jean Swanson, 747-3968, jean.swanson@sitkatribe-nsn.gov.
