The Alaska Summer Institute
June 6-8, 2024

Jessica Ross spoke about the recognition of historical trauma in Alaska Native communities and its influence on empowerment during the 2024 Alaska Summer Institute Conference Series on Social Issues & Behavioral Health. The confernce is held by the Department of Human Services at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

The anual event focused on understanding the complex interplay between culture and identity and how culture and ethics influence these dynamics. University and community members were invited, as well as licensed health, human, and social service professionals.

The Alaska Summer Institute 2024 

Missing and Murdered Indigenous People
May 3, 2024

Jessica Ross spoke at the first annual UAA MMIP walk for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. Tears were shed as participants painted red handprints on their faces. The walk was filled with silence, broken up by the occasional supportive honking from passing vehicles.

Jessica said "When we arrived at the ANSEP building, we shared food and prepared our hearts for reflection. I opened the time of reflection by welcoming attendees to Dena'ina country, followed by how the MMIP crisis is serious and is yet another example of oppression that Indigenous people continue to endure as we face the pressure to disappear. I held back tears as I spoke on how proud I was to see so many stand for those who can no longer stand and speak for those who can no longer speak. Awareness of this crisis ensures that those who have been lost will never be forgotten."

MMIP Walk at UAA 

2024 COH Interprofessional Education Event
Spring, 2024

Jessica Ross facilitated a Talking Circle on Restorative Justice with Ingrid Johnson during the 2024 College of Health Interprofessional Education Event. Participants from the college of health learned about restorative justice and reflected on how it will shape their future in healthcare practice.

Center for Community Engagement and Learning Awards Ceremony
2024

Jessica Ross gave a presentation about her research during the 2024 Center for Community Engagement and Learning Awards Ceremony. Ross recived the Selkregg Community Engagement & Service Learning Award, a $5,000 award that supports faculty in developing community engaged research, creative activity, and course-based service-learning projects.

Ross' funded work was titled Nughejagh: Engaging Alaska Native Eldersin Designinga Participatory Culturally Responsive Trauma-Informed Intervention in the Eklutna Community Health Center.

Center for Community Engagement and Learning 

College of Health DEIJ Symposium
2024

Jessica Ross spoke at part one and part two of the College of Health Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Symposium series.

On March 19, Jessica gave a presentation about including DEI courses in curriculums part two: Incorporating DEI into General Education Requirements. On February 23, Jessica opened the symposium with a land acknowledgment and explained their importance during part one: Creating Safe, Equitable, and Affirming Spaces to Advance Student Health and Well-Being.

COH DEIJ Symposium 

American Indian Studies Association Conference
Feb. 1-2, 2024

Jessica Ross presented her research during the annual American Indian Studies Association Conference at the University of New Mexico.

American Indian Studies Association Conference