OPT-In Kiana Fostering Connections with Elders and Culture

OPT-In Kiana has historically hosted a youth conference as part of their LeadOn project, but due to COVID-19, the 2020 event had to be cancelled. OPT-In was still able to support their community and focused on building cultural identity and community connection by reaching out to elders. Before the pandemic, they hosted several game nights, dance practices, and cultural nights where the Cultural Mentor taught dance glove sewing. After cornonavirus shut in-person events down, youth worked to foster connections with elders. They purchased Alaska-made artist postcard and distributed them to peers with stamps and the names and addresses of elders in the community to send them to.