We are honored to feature Kyle Wark, MA, born and raised in Hoonah, Alaska, as this month’s Advisory Council Member Feature. His mother’s family is Tlingit and members of the Deisheetaan Raven/Beaver clan. Kyle’s father, from Seattle, was adopted into the Chookaneidi Eagle/Wolf clan. He currently works as a researcher for the Southcentral Foundation, working on Alzheimer’s, genomics, and social determinants of health projects.
When asked what inspired him to join the IA2 Brain Health Advisory Group, Kyle noted,
“I have a lot of experience with community engagement in Indigenous communities, and I have relatives who have developed dementia. Dementia is a real problem, and I have personally seen how some of the nuances and complexities can affect people’s lives. I also have extensive experience in research, policy analysis, and working in Indigenous communities.” Before his current role, Kyle’s interests focused on adverse childhood experiences and Indigenous research methodologies. During that time, he partnered with various Alaska Native advocacy organizations across Alaska.
When asked what success in this initiative looked like, Kyle responded, “The creation of resources made by and for Native people and communities. Including the development of resources and interventions that do not feel outside of our worldview.”
Kyle is a proud father of a 4-year-old daughter. He loves teaching her their language and culture and shares the importance of time spent with elders, as he notes they are the storytellers and knowledge holders. Kyle spoke about storytelling. He explained that “in my culture, we share experiences and stories, and people are then allowed the respect of making their own choices. When there is a lesson to be learned, our elders may tell us many different stories that all have one underlying message.”
Kyle recently assisted IA2 in adapting Dementia Friends materials for American Indian and Alaska Native communities as part of a working group convened by IA2 and staff from the University of Reno (UNR), Nevada. Dementia Friends USA is a program focused on education and training about life for individuals living with dementia. Participants are then encouraged to turn their understanding into action. With Kyle’s input, experiences, and expertise, the Dementia Friends content was revised and adapted for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. His background and expertise in anthropology and Alaska Native history and culture were particularly beneficial to the process. Click to learn more about the new Dementia Friends Champions training program and information sessions hosted by IA2 with training conducted by UNR.
Dementia Friends (iasquared.org)
Thank you, Kyle, for all your support, dedication, and hard work. We look forward to continuing to work together.
