Date of Award

January 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Indigenous Health

First Advisor

Andrew Williams

Abstract

This study is a collaborative exploration of the intersection of traditional Sugpiaq/Alutiiq values, historical trauma, and the process of rematriation. It aims to understand how these elements contribute to healing, resilience, and identity restoration within the Sugpiaq/Alutiiq community. Utilizing a qualitative research approach grounded in Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the study engages in in-depth interviews with Alutiiq elders, cultural leaders, and community members. Their lived experiences and perceptions are integral to the research process. The study seeks to uncover how Sugpiaq/Alutiiq cultural values, such as community solidarity, connection to land, and spirituality, protect against the impacts of historical trauma. Additionally, this research examines the role of rematriation in reclaiming cultural heritage and strengthening communal identity. The findings provide insights into culturally grounded pathways to healing and resilience, offering recommendations for community-based interventions that leverage traditional values and rematriation to address ongoing challenges. This collaborative study contributes to the broader discourse on Indigenous healing practices and the vital role of reclaiming traditional knowledge, practices, and identity in the recovery from trauma.

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