By Lisa Hartman
In the first week of March 2025, I had the privilege of attending the Alaska Regional Gathering in Anchorage, where I represented a longtime federal client of Sky Solutions. This event brought together 54 members of several Alaskan tribal organizations, each sharing stories of hardship, resilience, and hope. As I listened, it became clear that the need for healing and empowerment within these remote American communities is both urgent and profound.
Understanding the Struggles of Alaskan Natives
Alaskan Natives have endured a long history of trauma. Beginning in the 1700s, foreign explorers and traders exploited their lands, displacing fishing and hunting communities from their ancestral homes. This trauma continued with the forced relocation of Alaskan children to boarding schools, outbreak of diseases such as smallpox, and efforts to sever tribes’ ties to their traditional cultures. These historical events have left lasting scars, leading to deep disconnection from cultural roots and widespread social issues among Alaskan Natives.
Despite these challenges, the stories shared at the conference underscored the strength and resilience of these American communities, who have managed to survive and persevere through unimaginable hardships.
Healing Through Culture: Using Funding to Preserve Native Heritage
A central theme of the conference was how government funding can be directed to heal these wounds. A significant portion of this funding supports addiction treatment, addressing a critical need in these communities. However, healing goes beyond physical recovery; it involves restoring cultural identity and connections. This includes efforts to preserve the rich history and culture of native Alaskans by documenting elders’ stories and offering young Alaskans opportunities to reconnect with cultural arts, cooking traditions, and other practices that keep their language and heritage alive.
Overcoming Barriers: Challenges Faced by Remote Communities
Sky Solutions played a key role at the conference by providing a system demo to assist native Alaskans in applying for and managing the crucial funding they need for these life-changing projects. Through our efforts, we hope to make it easier for individuals and communities to access the resources that can help them rebuild and sustain their cultural heritage while addressing the immediate needs of addiction treatment.
A critical part of this effort involves training a grants management system developed on a Pega platform, designed to simplify and streamline the funding process. This system provides applicants with a comprehensive platform to apply for grant funding from the federal agency I work with as a client. Through this system, applicants submit financial and programmatic information to apply for specific funding opportunities.
Once awarded, this system enables applicants to effectively manage all aspects of their grants. They can modify details as needed, submit performance and financial reports, respond to additional information requests, and oversee the terms and conditions of their awards. Additionally, the system offers a structured process for closing awards once funds are depleted, ensuring transparency and efficiency throughout the entire lifecycle of the grant.
Personally, participating in this conference was a profound learning experience, giving me critical insights into the challenges these communities face. While resilient, they still encounter significant barriers, especially in remote areas where unreliable internet and logistical constraints can delay progress. With many communities still dependent on river barges to transport materials, and seasonal restrictions that can create substantial setbacks for essential projects, the opportunity to support Americans living in such remote communities through enhanced technology was extremely rewarding.
Sky Solutions’ Role: Supporting Native Alaskans in Their Journey to Recovery
Attending this conference was an invaluable experience for Sky Solutions as we continue to refine our support and training. Hearing firsthand about the history, struggles, and aspirations of Alaskan Natives gave me vital insight into the challenges they face. The road to healing may be long, but there is hope. With ongoing support, cultural restoration, and efforts to address the root causes of trauma, the future for Native Alaskans is one of empowerment, strength, and resilience.
Sky Solutions is proud to be part of this journey, working with federal agencies to provide life-changing technology and resources to help these important American communities thrive once again.
About Lisa Hartman
Lisa Hartman is a Sky Solutions curriculum developer. Her strong background in the information technology and services industry and proven track record in government agency support, technical documentation, international relations, and needs analysis make her an invaluable team member supporting our federal clients’ digital transformation journeys. With a strategic approach, keen attention to detail, and understanding of the wide-ranging needs of end users, Lisa excels at understanding and distilling complex requirements to create effective educational solutions.
