2017 Rural Providers' Conference, July 31 - August 4

Full conference details and mail-in registration available here: RPC Registration Packet.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

The Rural Providers’ Conference (RPC) is an annual gathering of substance abuse service providers, youth, Elders and family members interested in celebrating and encouraging the continual growth of the Alaska Native Sobriety Movement. This year the RPC will focus on the traditional Alaska Native knowledge for healing of the issues related to historical trauma, alcohol and drug abuse, grief and other issues of rural Alaska. The RPC features ceremonies, talking circles and cultural events. The 2017 RPC is jointly sponsored by the Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc. (RurAL CAP) and the Native Village of Tanacross.

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OUR PROCESS

This year’s event will resemble a traditional Native gathering; rather than a “modern day” conference in past years. The Gathering process will start with an opening welcome on Monday evening, July 31st, from the Native Village of Tanacross and RurAL CAP. There will be a dedication statement and honoring the memory of Mr. Ray Titus, who dedicated over 30 years to working in alcohol treatment and a moment to recognize those we have lost this year.

Theme/main sessions Tuesday - Thursday. Throughout the Gathering we will be attempting to address historical trauma. Our process will describe events in our historical past that had created trauma. Examples of that would be the colonization of our homelands, the boarding school and missionary process as well as the history of disease of influenza and the TB epidemics. The conversation will then talk about the state of Native America resulting from that trauma which includes alcoholism and drug abuse as well as domestic violence, sexual assault and health issues including heart, lung and traumatic stress. This would also involve some work with grief, rage and pain. We will then move into the teachings of our ancestors to address these concerns and share some of the research that helped us to gain acceptance of what our Elders had taught us such as the ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Study, epigenetic studies and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) as understood by the medical community. Finally, we will address cultural resilience passed on to us by our Elders.

DAY-TO-DAY

Most likely, our days after opening will include a daily recap and plan and then move into work for the day involving group sessions, possibly men and women sessions. Youth sessions are planned and will be facilitated by a group identified by Tanacross.

Monday, July 31st
5:00pm - Onsite Registration Opens
7:00pm - Welcome

Tuesday, August 1st
9:00am-4:30pm - Regular "process schedule"
7:00pm-9:00pm - Evening Activity: Potlatch

Wednesday, August 2nd
9:00am-4:30pm - Regular "process schedule"
7:00pm-9:00pm - Evening Activity: Cultural Sharing

Thursday, August 3rd
9:00am-4:30pm - Regular "process schedule"
7:00pm-9:00pm - Dance, fiddle, country and western and/or rock and roll depending on available bands.

Friday, August 4th
9:00am-12:00pm - Closing Ceremony

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ONSITE REGISTRATION

Onsite registration begins at 5 p.m., Monday, July 31, in Tanacross. Those willing or agency-sponsored will find an increase in the registration fee. At that time, conference participants can sign up for volunteer opportunities.

REFUNDS

A $50 processing fee will be charged for refunds. Refunds will not be given after July 24, 2017.

DIRECTIONS

LEAVING FROM ANCHORAGE

Anchorage is about 340 miles SW of Tanacross. Leave Anchorage on the Glenn Highway and drive to the junction at Glennallen, about 189 miles. Turn left on the Richardson Highway for 13 miles. Then turn right on the Tok Cut-Off and drive 125 miles to Tok. Tok is Mile 1314 on the Alaska Highway; follow the straight road to Mile 1325.7 and take a right and follow the 2 mile road to Tanacross, Alaska on the Tanana River.

Active construction occurs on all parts of the road, so expect delays in high summer
Tanacross is in the Interior of Alaska and can experience high temperatures in the 80s and sometimes 90s. Sudden summer rainstorms can happen with lightning and thunder, so it’s best to be prepared, if you are camping.
Expect mosquitos.
Air travel: Only by charter.

LEAVING FROM FAIRBANKS

Fairbanks is about 195 miles NW of Tanacross. Leave Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway and drive to Delta Junction, about 97 miles. Turn left on the Alaska Highway at Mile 1422 and drive 97 miles to Mile 1326 and continue for a third of a mile for the left turn off to Tanacross. Tanacross is about 2 miles on the Tanana River.

The roads are usually smoother on this portion of the highway, but summer is an active construction season.
Expect mosquitos.
Air travel: Only by charter.

LODGING

Burnt Paw/Cabins Out Back B&B (907) 883-4121
Young’s Motel (907)883-4411
Golden Bear Motel and RV Park (907)883-2561
Three Bears Mini Mart/Motel (907) 883-2852
http://www.tokalaskainfo.com/ for further info on camping and other sites

All lodging is based in Tok. Some limited camping is available in Tanacross, with a local shower available for a modest fee. Up to 50 people can bring sleeping bags to the school where there are showers also available. Please call Amy Modig to sign up for space (cell: (907) 764-8880. All youth must be accompanied by a chaperone.

TOK INFORMATION

http://www.tokalaskainfo.com/

EVENING EVENTS

Tanacross will be hosting a potluck on Tuesday night. Please feel free to bring food to share. Evening activities on Wednesday and Thursday will be announced.

VENDOR SPACE

A limited amount of table space is available for the sale of arts and crafts. Vendor tables will be $20/day. No exhibitor tables will be available.

MEALS

At this time, meals are on your own, except the potluck on Tuesday evening. (This may change closer to the event.) Participants are encouraged to bring a traditional food from their region to share at the potlatch. There are several restaurants and cafes in Tok, as well as several grocery stores.

TIPS AND REMINDERS

● In June, the average temperature in Tanacross is 67 to 80 degrees F, and the average rainfall is 1.5 inches. It can be unexpectedly cooler or much hotter.
● Bring a traditional food from your region to share at the potlatch on Tuesday night. Refrigeration will be available.
● Bring your musical instruments or other props for sharing.
● Not all vendors accept debit cards.
● Please be prepared to leave Tanacross as clean as you found it.
● This is a tobacco free event.
● There are limited ATMs in Tok, so be sure to bring cash.

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For more information, view the full RPC Registration Packet or contact Amy Modig toll free at 800-478-7227 or directly at 907-865-7371.