People Can't Change- And Yet, These Fathers Are

“It’s really helped me reconnect with my kids on a whole new level” says a father who recently completed the Fatherhood is Sacred program. The program focuses on redefining fatherhood and bringing traditional roles back for Sitka’s fathers, grandfathers, and uncles. The Fatherhood is Sacred program is a nationwide effort to develop a deeper understanding of the importance of responsible fathers through Native American and Alaska Native values. The curriculum speaks to “an immediate need to bring men back to strengthen families— they are the greatest untapped resource”.

Alaska Children’s Trust recognizes and celebrates the positive men who leave an everlasting imprint on us. We celebrate all the dads, step-dads, uncles, grandpas, and mentors that leave an impact that guides us for life. At Alaska Children's Trust we believe 'father' is a verb: combining strength, hope, and kindness with intentionality that speaks life, direction, and vision for generations to come. We also believe that anyone can work to become a better father, grandfather, or mentor to a child, but sometimes people need direction and faith to make that change happen. We believe in fathers. This belief guides us in our work, and guided us to award a grant to Sitka Tribe of Alaska for their Fatherhood is Sacred program, which focuses on being uplifting, encouraging, and never giving up hope on a father.

Instructor Jean Swanson reminisced with ACT last week about the impact of the program and the difference she has seen in the men who participate. Jean spoke of a participant who was “a hardened man who struggled with addiction and incarceration” but completed the program and eventually was very happily reunited with his family. Another man she had worked with was in tribal court previously but went through the program and decided to return to it as a mentor. That same man is now training to become a facilitator of Fatherhood is Sacred!

They say a hardened man can’t change- and yet these men are.

Programs like Fatherhood is Sacred- programs that encourage intergenerational healing and trauma-informed practices- are revolutionary for many Alaskan parents.