Sept. 5-8, 2012: Paul Ongtooguk presents at Next North Symposium

Paul Ongtooguk, UAA professor in the College of Education, will be among the presenters during the upcoming Next North Symposium, Sept. 5-8 at the Anchorage Museum. Paul, who also serves as chair of the Academic Policy Committee for the Balto School project, will discuss Alaska's future with respect to culture, education and change.

The symposium is an in-depth discussion of the primary issues facing the circumpolar North today. Participants include prominent scientists, architects, anthropologists, artists and indigenous culture bearers from around the globe. Session topics include village relocation, sustainable living, cold-climate housing and resource development. The symposium is a collaboration between the Anchorage Museum, Art Gallery of Alberta and Alaska Design Forum.

The Next North Symposium is part of the Anchorage Museum's multi-year Northern Initiative project, which will bring together community leaders and experts in many fields to address the challenges of living in the North and develop creative solutions. The project also will include exhibitions and public events designed to bring forth new ideas.

Upcoming public events and exhibitions relating to the Initiative include: Friday, Sept. 7, 6-9 p.m. - First Friday exhibition opening of Da-ka-xeen Mehner's "Finding My Song" and access to True North exhibition Saturday, Sept. 8, 5 p.m. - Free talk by Subhankar Banerjee and performance by Allison Warden

Visit the Anchorage Museum website for more information on the symposium and these upcoming events.