Fairbanks Native Association march spotlights child abuse prevention efforts

“With any huge issue, the first thing you’ve got to have is awareness,” said FNA Communications Director Dianna Campbell. “We’re talking about prevention because there are steps and measures you can take to prevent child abuse.”

Campbell said the annual walk shows that FNA “is aware and unified in prevention efforts and recovery, intervention, and healing.”

She emphasized that programs like Head Start, mandated reporting, and outreach efforts can help reduce the risk of child abuse, which can take several forms — physical, sexual, mental, emotional, and neglect.

According to the U.S. Administration for Children and Families, Alaska has one of the highest rates of child abuse and maltreatment in the country. In 2022, the Alaska Office of Children’s Services received 19,301 abuse and neglect referrals, screened 6,627 of them, and confirmed 2,581 victims.

“It’s just really horrible, just thinking about child abuse,” Campbell said.

She noted that FNA and other organizations work with families, provide counseling services, and offer resources to support prevention and healing.

When the group arrived at David Salmon Tribal Hall, Pearl Creek students were greeted by elders from different villages and treated to lunch.

Karen Eddy, FNA’s director of community services, said the annual event includes two parts: the walk and a spring fling, which was held Saturday.

The spring fling brings together resources, family activities, and lunch to honor children.

“It means so much for our community to come together for an important cause by standing up for our children’s safety, health, and well-being,” Eddy said. “Your presence sends a powerful message: we care, we’re watching, and we will not be silent in protecting our children.”

Tim Doran, a Fairbanks North Star Borough School District board member, also shared words of encouragement with the group.

Hensel, the Pearl Creek teacher, said the annual tradition benefits greatly from FNA’s involvement. He emphasized that strong connections are essential for a healthy childhood.

“Those connections are really important, and creating space for those connections is a beautiful thing,” Hensel said.

He noted that Alaska’s high rate of abuse and neglect is an issue “that impacts every family directly or indirectly.”

“Speaking out against abuse is a facet of how we can address that,” Hensel said. “Creating connections across generations and cultures so we have people to turn to for support is really important.”