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How can we create communities of care that sustain both ourselves and those around us? This workshop invites participants to explore Indigenous wisdom, healing-centered engagement, and practices that foster resilience, belonging, and connection.

Drawing on the knowledge of Elders and ancestral teachings, we will reflect on how stress, trauma, and the pace of modern life affect our ability to learn, connect, and thrive. Together, we’ll discuss strategies to move from reactivity to proactive care, and how organizations and communities can reimagine spaces where people not only survive, but flourish.

Presenter: Dr. LaVerne Xilegg Demientieff

This session will highlight:

• Indigenous approaches to climate adaptation and community care
• The impacts of stress and trauma on learning, relationships, and wellbeing
• Healing-centered practices for creating belonging and connection
• Resources and strategies to strengthen a culture of care in organizations and communities

As one Yupik Elder reminds us, “Learning is healing—as we expand our knowledge of the world, we also learn about ourselves, we grow and heal.” Join us to explore how ancestral wisdom and contemporary practice can guide us in building communities rooted in care, resilience, and shared responsibility.

Dr. LaVerne Xilegg Demientieff is Deg Xit’an (Dene) from Holy Cross and Anvik, Alaska, and lives in Fairbanks. She is a Professor in the University of Alaska Fairbanks Bachelor of Social Work program, where she has taught since 2006, and is a licensed master social worker. A statewide trainer, LaVerne focuses on historical trauma and wellness, adverse childhood experiences, resilience, trauma-informed care, and healing-centered care. She is deeply engaged in Deg Xinag language revitalization, facilitating a weekly learning group and exploring the connection between language and well-being. Her research centers on how cultural and traditional practices support resilience, healing, and wellness among Alaska Native peoples.