Walking a well worn path: Alaska teens explore resilience at Suicide Prevention Summit

Teens from across Alaska attended the 2025 Youth Suicide Prevention Summit in Anchorage, the summit was designed to inspire leadership, resilience, and hope in the next generation. Organized by the Alaska Department of Health, the Statewide Suicide Prevention Council, and community partners, the summit helped youth gain tools and insights they could bring back to their communities.

One of many highlights was a powerful mid-morning session, “Ciulisitkaat: Good Person Leader,” led by speakers Nita Reardon and Janet Johnson. Their talk drew on Pulasaraq, a Yup’ik mental health and well-being curriculum they helped create for their region in Western Alaska.

Both speakers called on youth to uphold traditional values passed down through Elders. “Bring back the values we need...” urged Reardon. “Our values come from our ancestors with their beautiful wisdom.”

Nita told a story about her Grandma asking her, “Who are you?” The question was repeated over and over; the Grandma wanted an answer that went deeper than her name, and deeper than her Yup’ik name. She was getting at what Nita’s purpose was in life, who she would become. Some lessons come with understanding much later than when we first hear them.

“We hope you will be leaders of your communities,” said Johnson. “Keep these values alive.”

Great Indigenous leaders from around the state were presented, to model leadership values for young people. “These are good examples of who we look up to and how we learn from them,” said Johnson.

Edward Adams, a traditional chief from Nunam Iqua, had his name associated with the Yup’ik value Qinuunani. “His prayers were very deep and engaging...before every meeting he would set the tone for how we should be,” said Johnson of Adam’s legacy as a peaceful and effective leader for his region.

“Humble yourself in a way so that you are safe first and then safe for others,” Reardon told the audience of young people and adults, some who would be future leaders.

Johnson reminded the youth that leadership begins with self-care and service. “When you help others, you are also helping yourself,” she said. “When we go berry picking, do we expect the berries to jump into our basket? It takes work, dedication, and time,” said Johnson.

Pulasaraq translates to a well-traveled path in Yup’ik and symbolizes life’s journey through challenges. Rooted in Yup’ik values, the purpose of the curriculum is to help young people through the difficult parts of their lives. Educators can access the Pulasaraq health and well-being curriculum free through AASB.”https://aasb.org/resource/pulasaraq-curriculum/

Russell Clark is Curriculum Specialist for Onward & Upward. Onward & Upward represents resiliency in the face of adversity whose mission is to promote a culture of One Health in Alaska through evidence-based action. If you have questions or story ideas that promote a culture of One Health and Adventure contact him at rusty.clark@onwardandupward.org or visit our website: https://www.onwardandupward.org/