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This letter is to introduce you to
ALASKA ABLAZE, a faith-based summer camp to be held in Mentasta
Village, July 23 thru July 28, 2010. This camp has the blessing of
Katie John, traditional leader of the village. ALASKA ABLAZE is
designed to provide tools for Alaska Native youth and their families
to develop self-determination, self-reliance and sobriety. 2010 will
be our 14th year holding this event. These camps have
been held in Gakona, Tanacross and Mentasta Villages. Alaska Ablaze
is a 501(c) tax deductible entity.
These types of camps have been found
to have a profound influence on the mental health of Alaskan
Natives. The
suicide rate among
Alaskan Natives is three
times that of nonnative Alaska
residents and five times the national rate. Mentasta Village has
not had a native suicide in over 26 years, this camp works to
support this by empowering Alaskan Native Families through embracing
traditional values as a means to make positive change.
ALASKA ABLAZE is a week-long camp
which includes:
-
Vacation Bible School for children
ages 4-12
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Evening meetings with guest
speakers from all over the world
-
A Native American hip-hop team
from California
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Dancers and ministers from the
Pacific Islands sharing traditional dances and music.
-
Local guides for exploring the
natural wonders of a village deep in the interior of Alaska
-
Seasoned Youth Workers from Youth
With A Mission and other faith based groups.
ALASKA ABLAZE is asking that your
organization consider supporting this camp. There is no charge for
this camp. ALASKA ABLAZE provides all the food for the week for
everyone who attends the camp on a donation basis as not to exclude
anyone who wishes to attend. While the visiting teams try to pay
for all their expenses to come to Alaska, the cost is significant
and ALASKA ABLAZE attempts to cover some of their expenses. In
order to continue fund this camp, we depend on the support of
organizations such as yours.
We, at ALASKA ABLAZE believe that this
camp is having a profound effect on Alaska Native communities. We
focus on validating indigenous ways to worship and we believe by
embracing our indigenous identity, we can adjust to this rapidly
changing culture and live with dignity and peace.
Donations of camping supplies, food,
air miles, and money are greatly needed and appreciated. Any
donations can be sent to the address above, please contact me with
any questions you may have.
Thank you for your consideration and
support,
Pastor Howard Echo-Hawk
www.deltachristian.org
P.S See our website for
more information. A signed online waiver will be required for
participants.
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