Empowering healing through culture and language

Raedeen Neeley grew up immersed in the Ahtna language. Her grandparents were first-language speakers; her father was a "silent speaker," someone who could understand but struggled to speak the language. Her early experiences helped spark a passion for learning and revitalizing the language.

When the Copper River Native Association partnered with the Copper River School District on a program training Ahtna language instructors for kindergarten classrooms, Neeley jumped at the chance to get involved. As part of the program, she enrolled in UAA's Kenai Peninsula College, completing her Ahtna language occupational endorsement certificate in spring '24, followed by her Ahtna language instruction undergraduate certificate in spring '25.

Although KPC was not her first college experience, it was her first successful attempt - something she credits to the support she received from the college's Alaska Native Studies program and College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP).

More than just teachers, KPC's Sondra Shaginoff-Stuart and Jessica Denny, along with UAF's Siri Tuttle, offered invaluable mentorship. "I don't know if there's anything else like it in Alaska," said Neeley, reflecting on the encouragement, empowerment and support she received through the Alaska Native Studies program.

CAMP Coordinator Summer Lazenby helped provide further structure and support with a concierge level of advising: "She really helped me to break down my assignments and prioritize. I would check in with her every couple of weeks and that really helped me, especially when it came to the end of the semester, with final projects due," said Neeley.

Learning the Ahtna language and how to teach it has been a grounding force in what Neeley calls her "healing journey." Six years ago, she was homeless, struggling with addiction and the weight of trauma. Today, she's sober, back in her home village of Gulkana and reconnecting with her culture.

Next on her journey, Neeley would like to pursue a bachelor's degree in Alaska Native languages and a master's degree in linguistics and second language acquisition. She hopes to eventually develop and manage programs for youth and the community. No matter what path she takes, she wants to use her creativity and education to "empower healing through our culture and language."