In Bristol Bay, culture and community are not just a part of life; they are life.
We respect and integrate cultural traditions into everything we do. We work to make our services accessible and sensitive to the diverse needs of our community, aim to foster trust and understanding — and make health and wellness in rural Alaska a collaborative effort between providers and the community.
But there are many activities you can engage in that foster community. From food events to community cleanups and group sports, there’s something for everyone.
Healthy communities promote healthier lives, especially in areas like rural Alaska.
Here are 10 activities that can help build connections in rural communities.
Looking for health services in the Bristol Bay community? Contact Cama’i Community Health Center today to schedule an appointment.
10 Reasons How Community Engagement Builds Health & Wellness in Rural Alaska
1. Community Food Events
There’s nothing that brings people together quite like food. Sharing food has always been the centerpiece of hospitality. And it fosters a sense of belonging and community spirit.
You can attend organized festivals where you can meet others and sample food from different sources. Or you could arrange an informal community potluck, where everyone brings something to share. You could even attend a cooking class to share recipes and culinary skills
Many community food events are seasonal, happening around holidays or special celebrations. But community feasts and potlucks happen throughout the year.
Check local sources like community centers and tribal offices for information about upcoming feasts or potlucks.
2. Community Gardening Projects
Growing produce or beautifying an area with plants can provide healthy food, communal pride, and social interaction around shared responsibility. It also creates a space to share knowledge about gardening in a harsh climate.
Outdoor gardening is seasonal. But indoor gardening projects can be done year-round. It’s a great way to connect, provide nutritious food, and bring a bit of summer beauty to your winter months.
3. Outdoor Activities and Skills Sharing
Organized outdoor excursions are a great way to build connections, foster community, boost physical well-being, and enhance behavioral health. Activities can be short or long, and tailored to all fitness levels.
Experienced community members can also share outdoor skills and knowledge.
Ski, hike, camp, snowshoe, skate – they’re all great ways to get outside, even in winter. And reconnecting with our beautiful surroundings is great for your mental health.
4. Cultural Events and Celebrations
Celebrating cultural practices and sharing them is another great way to build community. Few cultures have a heritage as rich and beautiful as the Alaska Native Communities.
Look for (or create) events that feature dance, storytelling, arts and crafts, and culturally relevant workshops. These connect people to their heritage and help those outside of tribal communities to become more connected to them.
Cultural celebrations spread understanding, strengthen identities, and promote a deep sense of community pride.
5. Community Book Clubs or Discussion Groups
Book clubs and discussion groups can be created around various genres, authors, or topics of interest. They provide intellectual stimulation, education, and an opportunity for meaningful conversations within the community. They can connect you with community members who share your interests, and whom you might not have met otherwise.
Book clubs and discussion groups aren’t limited by season.
6. Intergenerational Activities
Intergenerational activities add to community health by creating a sense of history and longevity.
Elders can be teachers, and share traditional knowledge and stories with youth. And younger generations can provide elders with technical assistance, or help with challenging physical tasks.
Younger generations learn the importance of their heritage and take pride in where they’ve come from.
Older generations gain optimism in knowing their knowledge will continue.
7. Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer activities are another way to promote community, social interaction, and a sense of purpose. Organize activities that address needs in the community, like delivering meals to homebound residents, assisting with elder care, or helping with local organizations.
And helping those community members in need makes them feel connected and seen.
Nothing feels better than making someone else feel better.
8. Community Cleanups
You could also create regular community cleanup events. Organize teams to remove litter, dispose of debris, or just improve the overall environment.
This helps create a sense of pride and group ownership in the community. It’s empowering when a community sees it can make a difference.
9. Community Wellness Events
Wellness events are wonderful, fun ways for communities to learn new physical and behavioral health skills.
You can organize workshops on topics like healthy cooking, nutrition, stress management, mindfulness for relaxation and focus, or mental health awareness.
Sharing these skills can improve public health in communities. At the end of the day, they improve overall well-being and equip residents with tools to better manage their health.
10. Community Sports, Fitness Groups, or Game Nights
Basketball, baseball, volleyball, pickleball, hockey – there’s a group sport for all ages, all abilities, and all seasons.
Playing sports in a community sports league can boost fitness, boost your mood, and create a sense of connection. And it’s a lot of fun.
If you prefer your physical activity without the competitive element, join a fitness group. Fitness groups are usually arranged around a specific activity. Hiking clubs, running clubs, and walking clubs are very common.
If you can’t find one, create one. You might be surprised at how many people are eager to join.
If you like your competition a bit less physical, try organizing a game night or trivia night. Interest in board games has exploded in recent years. Organize a night around a specific game, or have people bring their favorites. You could even create a tournament.
Trivia nights involve a bit more work, primarily for generating trivia questions. Those can usually be found in trivia books or on Internet trivia archives. Players can bring their own teams, or create new teams at the event.
Participating in sports, fitness groups, or games is a fun way to build healthy communities. It’s a fun, engaging way to meet new people.
Get the Word Out
Events like these may not already exist in your community. If the one you want doesn’t exist yet, you may have to create them! But it’s not as hard as it sounds. Creating a community event can be a community event itself!
If there’s an event you’d like to start, start by getting the word out. Start a post in a communal social media group. Or post flyers in local stores and gathering places. Or simply tell others – word of mouth is still very effective.
You can let others know you’re starting a community event. Or, if you don’t want to do it alone, let others know you’re thinking about it. You might be surprised at how many others were thinking about the same thing.
Cama’i Community Health Center – Here for the Community
“Community” is a big part of who we are. We encourage everyone to engage with community events, explore our dynamic heritage, and work towards a healthier community in every way.
If you or someone you know needs health care support, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Contact us to find compassionate care and support.
Our behavioral health and primary care personnel are committed to delivering the best public health care for our rural community. We’re here to serve you.
Cama’i Community Health Center is here for all your healthcare needs. Emergency care, mental health care, and primary care – we make sure you get comprehensive, compassionate when you need it.
Looking for Emergency Care, Primary Care, and Mental Health Care for Bristol Bay? Contact Cama’i Community Health Center today to find out more.
