November is Alaska Native and American Indian Heritage Month. APU is a fully accredited four-year Alaska Native-serving and Tribally controlled university. At APU, we recognize and celebrate our Indigenous heritage every month of the year.
Read on to see stories from the past year that celebrate Alaska Native knowledge and culture at APU. And don’t miss our virtual event Dec. 18 commemorating the 50th anniversary of ANCSA, which was ceremonially signed right here on campus in 1971. Details here.
National Arctic research initiative housed at APU
National Arctic research initiative housed at APUThe National Science Foundation launched its Navigating the New Arctic initiative in February and chose APU as one of three host universities. The project aims to improve the understanding of the rapid, dramatic changes taking place in the Arctic in order to better mitigate these challenges. APU oversees the project’s Community Extension Office, which prioritizes community-defined issues and ensures federal research integrates Indigenous cultures, knowledge systems and research needs. Read more…
APU grad on National Geographic’s ‘Life Below Zero: Next Generation’
APU grad on National Geographic’s ‘Life Below Zero: Next Generation’As a sustainability studies student, Michael Manzo ’14 researched freighter canoes and adapted the fuel-efficient, gear-hauling boats for Alaska’s waterways. He now builds freighters and uses dog teams to support his roaming life in northern Alaska. “It’s in my blood to want to build and design dog sleds and canoe. As a Miꞌkmaw Indian, culturally APU understood that,” he said. Michael’s low-impact life is now featured on National Geographic’s Life Below Zero: Next Generation. Read more…
GCI scholarship offers $20,000 in student scholarships
In January, GCI launched its Donovan Walsh scholarship with a specific focus on students from rural Alaska and Alaska Native and Native American students. The first ten recipients represented eight communities across the state, including Gambell, White Mountain, Port Heiden, and Chignik Lake. Applications for next year are currently open. Read more…
Indigenous Kayak Design online
Indigenous Kayak Design onlineTypically, Indigenous Kayak Design students gather in the art studio to carve and assemble their own model kayaks. But with the pandemic forcing classes online this winter, Instructor Andrew Abyo mailed kayak kits to his students in Anchorage, Kodiak, Florida, Texas, Wisconsin, and Washington instead. The unique online class made the nightly news in Anchorage. Read more and watch here…
APU launches innovative course on Indigenous stewardship of public lands
APU launches innovative course on Indigenous stewardship of public landsIn September, APU partnered with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northern Latitudes Partnership, and Alaska Conservation Foundation to launch an innovative course on collaborative land management. The team-taught 11-week course draws on experts from Indigenous communities who are leading dialogues on decolonization and racial equity, as well as professionals who work with Tribes and Indigenous organizations on science and conservation challenges. Read more…
APU Student Elected to National Indian Education Association Board
APU Student Elected to National Indian Education Association BoardLast November, Alaska Native Governance student Ben Baldwin was elected the student board member for the National Indian Education Association, or NIEA. Based in Washington, D.C., NIEA draws together Indigenous voices to share ideas, develop programs, and advocate for federal policy that advances culture-based educational opportunities. Read more…
Bethel-based nursing program among three new degrees
Bethel-based nursing program among three new degreesIn May, APU announced three new degrees, including a nursing program offered in partnership with Yuut Elitnaurviat, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, and the Lower Kuskokwim School District. Two new campus programs – a bachelor’s degree in community and place-based education and a master’s of fine arts in creative writing – will be offered in Anchorage and prioritize Indigenous knowledge. Read more…
ANCSA@50 series recognizes APU’s role in landmark legislation
APU is hosting a four-part event series commemorating the 50th anniversary of ANCSA. The series included an educational seminar on Oct. 28 (click here to watch) and a panel discussion on the untold stories of ANCSA on Nov. 8 (click here to watch). The final event is a virtual celebration scheduled for Dec. 18, 50 years after President Nixon called APU to congratulate the signatories gathered in Rasmuson Hall. Learn more…
AmeriCorps program creates legal-medical partnerships across Indian Country
AmeriCorps program creates legal-medical partnerships across Indian CountryIn September, AmeriCorps awarded APU an additional $409,000 to continue coordinating the Partnering for Native Health program. The program is a multi-state and inter-Tribal partnership that aims to improve health outcomes by extending legal aid to rural Tribal communities and villages. As host of the grant, APU helps to place attorneys and health advocates at 25 Tribal healthcare sites across the country including Taos Pueblo in New Mexico (pictured) and in Alaska communities from Ketchikan to Nome. Read more…
Alaska Native Plants and Traditional Uses
Alaska Native Plants and Traditional UsesA Fall Block course turned campus into a classroom as students learned traditional uses of local plants. Instructors from ANTHC’s Wellness and Prevention department led the course, which relied on discussion, field walks, and conversations with Elders to teach plant identification techniques and share stories and anecdotes about each plant’s role in food and medicine. Read more…
Inside Indian Country Today’s APU bureau
Inside Indian Country Today’s APU bureauIndian Country Today restructured in 2018 to prioritize university partnerships. Since then, the nonprofit newsroom has expanded from three employees to 18, including two reporters in Alaska, and opened a bureau office at APU. “Alaska is just such an important story,” said Mark Trahant, editor of Indian Country Today. “I just think APU’s a great partner.” Read more…
Outdoor Studies senior wins big at business competition
Outdoor Studies senior wins big at business competitionKiana Till won the 2021 UAA Business Plan Competition this May, turning her senior project into a successful business pitch and winning $7,250 along the way. Kiana’s winning concept is Qizhjeh Vena, an Indigenous-rooted ecotourism company located in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, near where she grew up at family fish camps. Kiana earned a bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Studies this May. Transferring to APU, she said, “was the best decision I ever made.” Read more…
Indigenous Peoples Day makes the front page
The university hosted its annual Indigenous Peoples Day celebration virtually again this year. The 2021 edition featured honored speakers from across the state and live performances right here on campus. The event reached 15,000 people (so far) and made the front page news in Anchorage. Did you miss the event? Watch Indigenous Peoples Day 2021…
