Keynote speakers to address conference of rural providers

April 25, 2008 at 9:53AM AKST

The 25th Annual Rural Providers Conference is set for June 2-6 in Glennallen.

The Rural Alaska Community Action Program conference will feature Jim and Susan LaBelle, Deb Evensen and Bunny Swan as keynote speakers.

Jim LaBelle is an adjunct faculty member and an instructor in the Alaska Native Studies department, College of Arts and Sciences, at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He is a past member and chairman of Alaska Federation of Natives’ Wellness (Sobriety) Movement.

His wife, Susan LaBelle, is community and family services division director of Chugachmiut and has been involved in the social services field for more than 30 years specializing in services to children and their families.

Deb Evensen is a well-known educator who has dedicated her life to educating families and professionals dealing with the fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Evensen is the co-director of the Alaska affiliate to the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Bunny Swan is an artist, storyteller, singer and songwriter, who uses lively music and stories of Dena’ina heritage to entertain her audiences.

The theme of the 2008 provider’s conference is "Healthy Families, Healthy Communities." Participants can expect panel discussions, talking circles, interactive youth sessions, exhibits and other celebrations of sobriety, including a potluck and dance. Some of the topics to be covered include cultural/traditional healing, suicide prevention, health, justice systems and elder care.

For registration information, e-mail Janice Berry at jberry@ruralcap.com or call (907) 865-7354 in Anchorage or toll-free (800) 478-7227, ext. 7354. Online registration is available at http://www.ruralcap.com.