LaVerne Xilegg Demientieff

Dr. LaVerne Xilegg Demientieff is Deg Xit’an (Dene) and her family is from Holy Cross and Anvik, Alaska. She currently resides in Fairbanks, Alaska, and is working as a Professor in the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Bachelor of Social Work program where she has taught since 2006; she is also a licensed master social worker through the State of Alaska.  LaVerne is a statewide trainer on the topics of historical trauma and historical wellness, adverse childhood experiences, resilience, trauma informed care, and healing centered care. LaVerne is very active in learning and teaching her Deg Xinag language, she facilitates a weekly Deg Xinag language learning group and is interested in the connection between Indigenous language revitalization and well-being. LaVerne’s research interests focus on looking at how cultural and traditional practices contribute to individual, family, group and community resilience, health, healing, and wellness, specifically with the Indigenous people of Alaska.