As we began to build trust, issues that have haunted us for years begin to emerge and the healing process begins. It is important to know that for years as a people we were ashamed of some of the things that have happened to us. Suicides and abuses of all kinds have happened in our communities. We never talked about them, we never openly acknowledged they happened and certainly never discussed them. All that is beginning to change and although it is a first step, we remind each other that it is all right to talk about it now.
Support groups are extremely helpful in any situation.
They are a way for individuals to begin healing from the use and abuse of alcohol, from suicides, from domestic violence, and as a way to learn about yourself. It is helpful to start slow and work on building trust first. Alakanuk found an unused city building to first begin theirs. With the efforts of several community supports they found a way to get it cleaned up, heated and ready for use. Through grants monies they purchased materials such as, furs, beads, yarn, lumber, tools, ivory, paints and equipment to make it a pleasant, exciting place to spend time in.