'Navigating at a double crossroads: The role of subsistence in the wellbeing of Dena'ina Athabascan youth' - April 18, 2014

Friday, April 18, 12-1 p.m. Diplomacy Building, Fifth Floor, Conference Room

Jennifer Shaw, Ph.D., is a senior researcher at the Southcentral Foundation in Anchorage, where she conducts research on youth suicide prevention, healthcare decision-making and the development of culturally grounded health services. Her research interests are in medical anthropology, social determinants of health and cross-cultural childhood and adolescence.

She will talk about the role of subsistence in the well-being of Dena'ina Athabascan youths growing up in Southwestern Alaska. How do subsistence and other cultural activities fit into the lives and aspirations of contemporary Dena'ina youths living in rural Alaska? What factors impede or facilitate their ability to achieve these aspirations in the transition to adulthood? Shaw conducted an ethnographic case study with 19 youths in one Dena'ina village. The results showed that, despite concerns about Alaska Native youths' commitment to culture, this group deeply identifies with their tradition and aspires to continue these activities into adulthood, despite significant obstacles in their paths.

The Diplomacy Building is at 4500 Diplomacy Drive, at the corner of Tudor Road and Tudor Centre Drive. Parking is free. Call (907) 786-7710 for directions.

Note: Those who can't attend in person can join us remotely over the web or call (907) 786-6755, Conference ID: 475905. A recording of the talk will also be posted on the ISER website (www.iser.uaa.alaska.edu).

April Archive