DOT LAKE, Alaska — Dot Lake Village has marked a year of significant progress in public safety, community wellness, and cultural revitalization as the Tribe continues expanding services for residents and the broader Interior Alaska region.
This summer, Dot Lake Village welcomed youth and families to its 2026 Culture Camp, bringing together Elders, community leaders, and Tribal staff to share traditional knowledge and strengthen cultural connections. Camp activities included outdoor education, cultural teachings, storytelling, and opportunities for youth to engage with positive role models from throughout the community.
Among those participating was Tribal Police Officer Doug Paradise, who joined youth and community members during camp activities as part of Dot Lake’s Tribal Community-Oriented Policing efforts. Officer Paradise’s participation reflects the Tribe’s commitment to fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the community it serves.
(Dot Lake Police Office Doug Paradise participating in traditional cultural dance at Dot Lake Village’s Annual Culture Camp)
“Community policing means being present, building trust, and working alongside our residents,” said Tracy Charles-Smith, President of Dot Lake Village. “Our officers are not only here to respond when needed, they are part of our community and invested in the well-being of our people.”
Dot Lake Village also reached a historic milestone on June 1, 2026, with the official opening of its Tribal Law Enforcement Office. The establishment of the office represents years of planning and investment in Tribal sovereignty and public safety and ensures that residents have access to dedicated law enforcement services closer to home.
In addition to public safety initiatives, the Tribe continues to expand housing opportunities for residents. Planning and development efforts are underway for four additional apartment units, which will increase access to safe and affordable housing in the community. The new four-plex development is expected to support families and individuals seeking stable housing while helping address longstanding shortages in rural Alaska.
The Village has also continued strengthening its Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) program. Earlier this year, Dot Lake conducted a comprehensive SART mock call-out exercise designed to simulate a real-world response to sexual assault. The training followed a case from the initial call-out and triage process through the completion of a forensic examination, evidence collection, victim advocacy services, safety planning, and follow-up care.
The exercise included victim models, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs), victim advocates, and law enforcement personnel working together to ensure a coordinated and trauma-informed response. Team members also received additional training on trauma-informed care and best practices for supporting survivors throughout the process.
“These trainings are critical to ensuring that every survivor who comes to us is met with compassion, professionalism, and a coordinated response,” said Dr. Sallette Thompson, Behavioral Health Director and SART Director for Dot Lake Village. “Sexual assault survivors deserve access to high-quality care regardless of where they live. By practicing every step of the response process, from the initial call to long-term follow-up, we are ensuring that our team is prepared to provide services that are survivor-centered, culturally responsive, and grounded in trauma-informed care.”
The importance of this preparation became evident in May when Dot Lake Village provided comprehensive services to its first SART client. The multidisciplinary team successfully delivered coordinated victim services, including forensic and medical support, relocation assistance, victim advocacy, safety planning, and ongoing follow-up care.
Advocates have continued working alongside the survivor by assisting with court case tracking and helping navigate the legal process, ensuring continued support beyond the initial response.
“Providing our first full SART response was a significant milestone for our community,” said Dr. Thompson. “It demonstrated that rural and Tribal communities can build systems of care that provide survivors with the same level of support and professionalism found anywhere in the country.”
As Dot Lake Village continues to invest in public safety, behavioral health, housing, and cultural programming, Tribal leadership remains committed to building a resilient and thriving community for future generations.
From opening its Tribal Police Department to expanding housing, strengthening victim services, and investing in youth through Culture Camp, Dot Lake Village continues to demonstrate what is possible when Tribal communities lead the development of programs designed to meet the unique needs of their people.
