Indigenous Peoples Day
Dear Editor: On behalf of the faculty and staff of the University of Alaska Southeast Sitka campus, we are thrilled and honored to have played a small role in making Indigenous People’s Day a meaningful and enriching experience for all of us and would like to thank everyone who came out to celebrate with us.
It is our belief that this event is the highest attended event in the history of the campus with more than 700 attendees. We recognize that educational institutions have historically been used in a manner that has been harmful to Indigenous peoples and communities. Our hope is that events such as this will contribute in some small way to heal, inspire and motivate us all as we journey forward together.
A special thank you to the elders, clan leaders, culture bearers, veterans, and the committee members who made the magic happen during the event. From behind the scenes coordination to hosting breakout sessions, cooking food, and welcoming the community of Sitka at the front door, this event was a truly collaborative volunteer effort and would not have been possible without the donations, enthusiasm, and hundreds of hours of dedication from the following organizations and individuals:
Sitka Tribe of Alaska, Sitka Counseling-HOPE Coalition, ANB Camp 1, Baranof Island Housing Authority, Herring Protectors, KTOO 360 TV, AC Lakeside Sitka, Mt. Edgecumbe High School, Noow Tlein Dancers, Outer Coast College, Rotary Club of Sitka, Shee Atika Inc., Sealaska Heritage Institute, Sitka Native Education Program, Sitka Conservation Society, Sitka School District, Sitka Sound Science Center, Sitka Soup Magazine, Sitka Spruce Tips 4-H, Sitka Decolonization Dialog Group, Aklei Helen Dangel, Alex Johnson, Alicia Sprague, Andrew Parente, Anne Mattea.
Also, Archie VanWinkle, Barbara Morgan, Billy Grant, Bridget Hitchcock, Charlie Skultka Jr., Chip Camden, Chohla Moll, Chuck Miller, Courtney MacArthur, Crystal Duncan, Daniel Asanji, Dave Kanosh, David Sam, Ellen Chenoweth, Emma Bruhl, Emma Jane Park, Emma Thompson, Franklin Eccher, Greg George.
Also, Harper Glazer, Jackie Fernandez-Hamberg, Jade Nodes, James Bohn, Jasmine Shaw, Jean Swanson, Jennifer Younger, Jerrick Hope-Lang, Jerry Dragon, Jessica Christianson, Jill Hanson, Johnny Elliott, Ḵaaljáaḵw Claire Hill, Kaayeekán Haylee Steffes, Kari Sagel, Katie Riley, Katie Sill, Kolene James, Kristin Scotchmer.
Also, Kushxeet Sienna Reid, Lakrisha Johnson, Lauren Wild, Leah Mason, Lee Burkhart, Lilli Garza, Liz Zacher, Losi Siulua, Loyd Platson, Lucas Opgenorth, Luke Gibes, Mackenzie Hemminger, Mark Sixbey, Mary Peltola, Michelle Dominguez, Nirali Desai, Rachel Moreno, Rie Christianson, Sadija Masic, Shanik Morales-Tapia, Sunny McClenehan.
Also, Suzanne Portello, Tess Olympia, Ts’ats’ee Sarah Tobey, Una Gailite, Will Burkhart, Yeidikook’áa Dionne Brady-Howard, Yéil Ya-Tseen Nicholas Galanin, Yuki Nagaoka and Zoe Trafton.
I cannot fully express my gratitude and admiration for everyone who helped make this the biggest celebration yet. Here’s to next year! Thank you, Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa, Quyana,
Paul Kraft, Campus Director,
University of Alaska Southeast,
Sitka Campus
