1996

What do we mean by “generational grief?’

What does Harold Napoleon describe as the cause of “generational grief” in the Yupiq peoples?

What are some of the characteristics of “Yuuyaraq?”

How do these characteristics relate to the “strengths” we look for in individual clients?

What are some of the problems Napoleon identifies as having resulted from the impact of the “Great Death” (the worldwide flu epidemic of 1918)?

What are some of the suggestions he makes for healing some of the painful results of the grief engendered by these traumas?

What are some of the things that have taken place in the almost twenty years since Napoleon first wrote this essay from his prison cell in Fairbanks?

For example:

Family Wellness Warriors Initiative at Southcentral Foundation

Talking Circles for suicide prevention and substance abuse in Nome (Kawerak) and Sitka (SEARHC)

RURALCAP Rural Providers Conference

Healing Heart totem pole in Craig

For us, as Human Services providers, what are the implications of this learning?

Why would we want to be aware of the possibility of “generational grief” in working with “culturally different” clients? Or any clients?

As Human Services professionals in Alaska, why is it important that we know about the history, traditions and world views of Alaska Native peoples?

Why is it important that we know the strengths of the unique cultures of our clients?

There is a saying, “Fair does not always mean equal.”What does this mean in light of the “Golden rule?”

For next time:

What can we learn from our elders?