Celebrating Alaska Native Heritage Month
by Sean Parnell, UAA Chancellor; and Michele Yatchmeneff, Executive Director of Alaska Native Education and Outreach |
Dear UAA Community,
November is National Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month, an opportunity for our campus community to recognize and celebrate the rich and diverse culture of Alaska Native people and communities in our state.
Throughout this month, there will be programs and activities hosted by a variety of campus organizations dedicated to increasing the awareness of the history, traditions and culture of the Indigenous peoples of Alaska.
As all UAA campuses reside on the ancestral homelands of the Dena’ina, Ahtna Dene, Alutiiq/Sugpiaq, Chugachmiut and Eyak peoples, it is imperative that we continue to strive for an inclusive, equitable and diverse learning environment. Part of this critical work included the appointment of Dr. Michele Yatchmeneff, of Unangax̂ descent, as executive director of Alaska Native education and outreach at UAA.
Dr. Yatchmeneff and the UAA Action Team recently submitted a strategic plan for the Alaska Native Success Initiative to the University of Alaska system, for UAA to increase the recruitment, retention and sense of belonging for Alaska Native students, faculty and staff.
I hope you will join me in participating in Alaska Native Heritage Month. Please stay tuned for announcements about events throughout November. I look forward to participating alongside you as we continue to strive together toward building an inclusive campus culture.
Sincerely,
Sean Parnell,
UAA Chancellor
Michele Yatchmeneff,
Executive Director of Alaska Native Education and Outreach
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