Kendra Kloster: Advocacy and Resilience in Alaska
Episode Overview
Alaska Senate Bill 151 addresses missing and murdered Indigenous women. The bill includes mandatory cultural training for law enforcement. Kendra Kloster balances motherhood with advocacy work. Community involvement is crucial in creating change. Collaboration among tribes, policymakers, and organisations is essential.
It's our first MMI bill that's passed the Alaska legislature, so a pretty big deal for us right now
In this episode of The Anonymous Eskimo Podcast, Ralph Sara welcomes Kendra Kloster, a Tlingit Raven from Wrangell and Juneau, Alaska. Kendra is the co-Director for law and policy at the Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center and a partner with the MMIWG2S Alaska Working Group. She shares her experiences balancing her roles as a mother of three and an advocate for Indigenous communities.
Kendra discusses the significance of Alaska Senate Bill 151, the first MMI bill passed by the Alaska legislature, which aims to address the high rates of missing and murdered Indigenous women. The bill includes mandatory cultural training for law enforcement to improve their understanding of Indigenous cultures and rural Alaskan communities. Kendra emphasises the importance of community involvement and shares how her personal journey has shaped her advocacy work.
She also highlights the need for collaboration among tribes, policymakers, and organisations to create a safer environment for all Alaskans. This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities and the ongoing efforts to address critical issues like mental health, substance misuse, and violence. If you're looking for inspiration and insight into the challenges faced by Indigenous communities, this episode is a must-listen.