Kachgudikaa (David Evenson)

We are honored to have Kachgudikaa (David Evenson) serve as our emcee for this year’s gathering. His Tlingit name means “The Measure of a Man”.

Over the past year, Kachgudikaa has been employed as a Peer Support Specialist with Tlingit & Haida’s Reentry & Recovery department.  He is trained in the peer support model and through RADACT (Regional Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counseling Training). The bulk of his “research” and knowledge in this field has been through “lived experience.”

Kachgudikaa’s history includes his own battles with addiction, and the adverse results varying from being chronically homeless to getting caught up in the prison system. He shares openly, “This has been the greatest negative and positive in my life—negative, because of the obvious struggles I faced as an addict, alcoholic. But, as the saying goes, I wouldn’t have it any other way! I believe everything happens for a reason, and without this experience, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. As my sponsor says, I would have been robbed of the privilege to be useful to my fellows.”  

Today, Kachgudikaa’s life is different. He works a 12-Step program, remains close to those who support his recovery, and his primary focus in life has been to help others in their struggles with addiction. He shares, “This tradeoff has given me back to my family, my culture, my community, and most importantly, to myself.”