Dear Editor: Sitka Sound Science Center would like to send our sincere gratitude to the Huna Heritage Foundation, the Nature Conservancy and Sustainable Southeast Partnership for putting on a two-day workshop in Juneau last week called Our Youth, Our Future about youth leadership in the region. The workshop was facilitated at the Tlingit Haida Regional Council Resource Center by the First Alaskans Institute, Liz Medicine Crow and attended by Native youth and adults who work in various capacities with youth development. Representatives came from Hoonah, Wrangell, Yakutat, Kake, Juneau, Prince of Wales and Sitka. The Forest Service, Kake Culture Camp, Discovery Southeast, The Nature Conservancy, Sitka Sound Science Center, SeaAlaska and Alaska Crossings all participated. The Science Center was honored to be invited and supported by the organizers. Thank you specifically to organizers Sara Dybdahl and Tis Peterman of Wrangell Research Associates and to Anthony Mallott, president and CEO of SeaAlaska Corporation for attending.
I attended the workshop at Tlingit Haida with SSSC executive director Lisa Busch and we were inspired to see the youth there stepping up to the plate as representatives for the next generation of Native Alaskan leadership. The up-and-coming leaders made clear their vision for uniting Southeast communities and strengthening ties between people and the land. To support their goals, Sitka Sound Science Center will strive to integrate science education—with an emphasis on decision making, critical thinking and problem solving—into regional efforts to empower young people. We believe there is tremendous value in integrating western science and Native Knowledge into programs that are culturally sensitive and expose students to STEM careers. We are excited to work with these organizations and young people down the line to catalyze a sustainable economy for the region.
Amelia Greenberg
Americorps Volunteer
Sitka Sound Science Center
Dear Editor: Today, while walking through a park, I found a package with a note in it and a gift. The note said “Happy 2017. If you find this it is yours.” I found it, and I thank you very much.
Charlie Kinberg
