University Of Alaska Anchorage: Celebrating Alaska Native Heritage Month

Press release from the University of Alaska Anchorage:

November 1, 2021

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

This press release was produced by the University of Alaska Anchorage. The views expressed here are the author’s own.