The 1986 Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) report "The Status of Alaska Natives: A Call for Action" provided a picture of Alaska Native children and youth being at risk due to alcohol-related problems (developmental disabilities, addiction, abuse, injury, suicide, and early death) from birth on into adulthood. The inference made was that there were serious problems with the abuse of alcohol and other substances in a significant number of Alaska Native communities and families, that there are Alaska Native children and their families caught in a circle of destruction (domestic violence, neglect, and child physical and sexual abuse), and that the circle is held together by alcohol and/or other substance abuse. The report was intended to promote, among other things, grassroots involvement in developing sober and healthier choices within families and at the community level. But, before looking further at issues related to the current health status of Alaska Native people, coupled with alcohol and other substances of abuse, it would be worthwhile taking a brief tour through some of the Alaska Native history of the past 250 to 300 years.
Notes
Available upon request at the Alaska Medical Library, located on the second floor of UAA/APU Consortium Library. Ask for accession no. 102038.