Where the rivers meet: the life story of the Reverend Helen Peters of Tanana

Abstract

This thesis presents the life story of the Reverend Helen Peters, an Athabascan woman whose life exemplifies how faith in God can help a person to overcome great obstacles and trauma. The western view of leadership is very different from the concept as understood among Alaska Natives. Leadership of Native elders is the embodiment of their character, their conscience, their family history, traditions, language ability and spirituality. At every gathering the elders are expected to discuss these concepts in order to instruct and guide the people. In this way, they lead by example and find any and every opportunity to impart wisdom and knowledge. As an elder of Tanana, Helen understands the responsibility she has to lead the community. To this end, she wanted to tell her story, discussing difficult life experiences of substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault and suicide. These are the pressing subjects that she is most concerned about for her family and for the Native community at-large. Through personal experience, she understands that the silence surrounding her own story has kept her locked within herself and her family mired in the healing process, unable to move forward. She wanted to break that silence. In revealing these disturbing events, Helen courageously opens the door of dialogue that she hopes will lead not only to healing from past traumas but to confronting current situations in Native communities. She is attempting to lead the people to a place where it is permitted to talk about these difficult topics. This is her gift to her children and the community at-large. It is my goal to facilitate her intent and to offer Helen's story as an example of faithbased courage to overcome extreme obstacles. Helen's life also serves as a model of courage in taking a stand against alcohol and substance abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse. May her candor inspire others to speak out so that the future is brighter for today's children.