Bernadine Atchison lives in Alaska and is a member of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe. Bernadine is deeply committed to helping the people of her community and other caregivers who are raising children.
Bernadine is a respected leader and sits as a Tribal Council Member and is the Chairperson for the Kenaitze Tribe’s Research and Review Board. She is the Treasurer for the Kenai Mountain Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area where her focus is to ensure there is a Tribal voice when speaking about the history of this area and how the Dena’ina have walked those lands since time immemorial. From 2016 to 2022, Bernadine has sat on the Alaska OCS (Office of Children’s Service) Compact as the Tribe’s representative. She is now an alternate and attends all negotiations on behalf of the Tribe. Bernadine testified at the Government to Government Consultation on Violence Against Women and currently sits on the Tribe’s Title 4-E Committee as well as the Kenaitze’s Education Committee. She is a true leader of her people.
In January of 2015, Bernadine’s four grandchildren came into her care through the State Office of Children Services. Her son, the children’s father, lived in the home with them until 2017, when he bought a house and they moved out. In February of 2019, the kids came back into her care and have been with her through a safety plan with the Tribe since.
Her family has received support only from the Kenaitze tribe. The tribe provided initial support such bedding, bed frames, clothing, food, toys/markers/books. Children in guardianship or foster care under the Tribe receive $500 per child up to $1,500 per month. This help has made a difference in the care Bernadine can provide for the children. These funds help with grocery, clothing and sending the kids to horse or lakeside camp for a week each year.
Bernadine knows that most kinship caregivers are not as fortunate and that there is a lack of services and supports available to grandfamilies around the country. Bernadine’s experiences both in her personal life and as a tribal advocate has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Her passion for advocacy led her to join Generations United’s GRAND Voices network, where she will use her experiences to support grandfamily caregivers nationwide.
