ABSTRACT
American Indians=Alaska Natives (AI=AN) suffer from some of the highest rates of poverty and health-related diseases, such as depression, cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, and suicide (Anderson & Smith, 2003), as well as related disabilities. In addition to experiencing these high rates of diseases and disabilities, AI=AN populations are diverse and therefore in need of diverse solutions to treat these vexing issues. Service provision becomes even more complicated in states such as Alaska, which is a large state covering almost 572,000 square miles, with a population of 735,000. Of that population, almost one third of the people live in a rural environment (Rural Assistance Center, 2014). It is estimated that the AI=AN population comprises 14.7% of the state population. Areas in the northern regions (Arctic Slope, Northwest Arctic, and the Interior) report that between 55% and 100% of the residents are AI=AN (American Psychiatric Association, n.d.).
