National Resource Center FOR Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ Native Elders
The overarching goal for the NRC-ANE is to advance relevant knowledge and research
for the wellbeing of Indigenous Elders through the creation and dissemination of products
that inform caregiving, community support for active and healthy aging, and strengthening
traditional ways that support positive aging. We aim to provide culturally-appropriate
resources and other materials of relevance to Title VI programs and tribal communities,
with the support of key community partnerships.
Sarah Beam, assistant professor of medical education for WWAMI, recently led a tour of UAA’s anatomy lab, where students from undergraduate, occupational therapy, and medical programs gain hands-on experience learning from real human donors.
Della Keats was an Iñupiaq healer whose legacy in traditional healing resonates across Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ. In her honor, UAA offers programs to support rural and Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ Native students pursuing careers in health care.
This summer, high school students in the Della Keats Program, administered by UAA’s WWAMI School of Medical Education, spent four immersive weeks at UAA's Anchorage campus, engaging in health science coursework and experiencing residential life.
The Della Keats program introduces students from all parts of Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ to college courses, dorm life and big-city educational opportunities specific to health-science.