Crystal Frank-Welker

Crystal Frank-Welker is Gwich’in from Vashraii K’oo (Arctic Village, Alaska). She is married to Gabriel Welker. Her parents are Kenneth Frank and Caroline Tritt-Frank. She is a Gwich’in language learner, translator and transcriber. She is ACCAP’s engagement specialist and her research interest focus on Indigenous wellness and wellbeing and the role that culture and language has in healing and wellness. She is also a PhD student in Indigenous Studies at UAF and a tribal member of the Native Village of Venetie Tribal Government. She is happy to be in her homelands, studying and working for the University. Crystal values her way of life as a Gwich’in, and she carries the strength of her culture and language through her studies.

As engagement specialist, Frank-Welker networks and builds relationships across Alaska as part of ACCAP’s efforts to enhance capacity for resilience and preparedness. Alongside her mentor Adelheid Herrmann, Frank-Welker builds awareness of ACCAP products and services, and help organizations that serve rural communities access tailored and realistic information in a format and with a process that is relevant and accessible. Frank-Welker acts as ACCAP’s liaison at various networking events and meetings where rural community-centered organizations gather. Frank-Welker also supports ACCAP’s small grants program.