Photo by Wali Rana/KNOM.
Nome‘s liitfik Behavioral Health Services: Healing Through Culture and Connection
In Nome, Alaska, Liitfik Behavioral Health Services is pioneering a unique approach to wellness, seamlessly integrating Alaska Native traditions with contemporary behavioral healthcare. This outpatient clinic isn’t simply a provider of counseling services; it’s a vibrant hub for community building,artistic expression,and culturally-rooted healing.
Bridie Trainor, Director of Liitfik, emphasizes that addiction frequently arises from a sense of disconnection. She believes that engaging in customary practices is a powerful way to rebuild that sense of belonging. The clinic offers a diverse range of workshops – from sewing and intricate carving to mindful time spent outdoors – providing participants with recovery tools that deeply respect and honor Indigenous knowledge systems.
Benjamin Jack, the clinic’s cultural Arts instructor, highlights the transformative power of the carving room. He observes that the act of shaping materials like ivory, bone, wood, and baleen encourages participants to remain present and grounded in the moment, fostering a sense of calm and focus.
Liitfik has a rich history of community engagement, having collaboratively created over a thousand drums over the years. This practice not only preserves time-honored traditions but also reinforces the long-standing connection between cultural expression and well-being. As Trainor explains, “Thes are things that people naturally do and have done to be well here for thousands of years.” Ultimately, Liitfik strives to be a welcoming and inclusive space where individuals can find connection, explore their creativity, or simply experience a sense of belonging.
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