Programs

There's a new kind of dinosaur out there, and it lived in Alaska. Its bones, long turned to stone, are part of a cliff in northern Alaska. That's where dinosaur-hunter Tony Fiorillo brushed dirt away from a portion of its massive skull ­ something that most of us would mistake for a rock. Read more.

In order to grow philanthropy in Alaska, we need to have a true understanding of what Alaskans and our communities across the state need to be successful. One way we work to help build community is by providing opportunities for community members and our fund advisors to have open conversations about community issues. Over the past year we have hosted dozens of “Conversations about causes that matter.” The topics we have discussed range from childhood hunger to healthcare to family philanthropy. Read more.

Cyrano's Theatre Company, in partnership with the Alaska World Affairs Council, proudly presents a reading from The Great Game: Afghanistanon Thursday, November 17th at 7 PM at Cyrano's Off Center Playhouse. It is the hope of this reading that audiences will learn more about how the policy has evolved and how lessons from the past could be used for more informed action in the future and to give audiences a better understanding of the culture and history of a country that remains high-up on the global news agenda. Read more.

Gretchen Sagan is the featured artist for November and December 2011 at the Alaska Native Arts Foundation in downtown Anchorage. Her show titled “Migration” explores the phenomenon of animal migration, "a phenomenon that is intrinsic to our land and cultures and extremely important to our life in the North," Sagan said. Read more.

I wasn’t on campus yesterday when one of our younger bull elk jumped an eight foot perimeter fence surrounding his enclosure. He found himself face to face with a muskox. The muskox was in his own paddock with his caprine herd-mates looking on. Click for more.

-30 to -40 low temperatures in Fairbanks today. That kind of cold is an experience which, according to these UAF students, runs the gamut from 'awesome' to 'what do you think'. Click for larger view.

The Winter Bear is a play about an abused, neglected Alaska Native teenager who decides suicide is his best option until Athabascan elder Sidney Huntington shows him how to use traditional culture to work through his despair and find his true voice. We have performed for enthusiastic audiences in Fairbanks, Galena and Anchorage. After every show, people tell us heart-wrenching stories about the terrible toll suicide is extracting from their lives and beg us to bring the play’s message of hope to their communities. That’s what we’d like to do. Read more.

I dreamt about Stephen last night, my dearest friend from high school. He came to visit–back from the dead, but just for a little while, he said. In my dream, it seemed normal, but also very significant and powerful that he was allowed this quick visit with me. I cried as I hugged him and touched his face. Read more.

Suicide is preventable. While each suicide or attempted suicide can be as unique as the person who experiences it, there are ways to address the multiple social, emotional, environmental and health factors involved. If every one of us learned about suicide, and the risk factors and protective factors involved, we would be better prepared to prevent suicide in our families and communities. How can Alaskans learn about suicide and how it is prevented? Read more.

On Thursday, Nov. 3 in the Student Union Cafeteria, students, staff, faculty and members of the public enjoyed a delicious lunch of Native foods. The program was moderated by Dr. Maria Williams, Director of Alaska Native Studies. Marilyn Balluta gave the Dena'ina Blessing followed by remarks from UAA Chancellor Tom Case, a special message from the CIRI President and CEO Margaret L. Brown, and UAA student leaders, Polly Andrews and Warren Jones. The Native Student Council hosted a wonderful Native Dress Review, followed by a performance from the Sivuqaq Dancers. Click for larger view.

One of the challenges of living in remote Alaska is easy access to fresh food, like produce. But that’s not the case at the school in Tenakee Springs, where every day, the students get a meal that goes above and beyond the usual cafeteria fare.

Imagine an Alaska where rural and urban youth are on the forefront of vital humanities cultural documentation. Inspired by such a vision, Kodiak-based nonprofit Media Action applied for and won the National Endowment for the Humanities funding to create InterAK, a web-portal serving Alaskan teachers, youth and the public. Learn more.