Connect
The White Privilege Conference
Summary: "For the past 20 years the WPC has examined challenging concepts of privilege and
oppression and offers solutions and team building strategies to work towards a more
equitable world. WPC is a conference designed to examine issues of privilege beyond
skin color. WPC is open to everyone and invites diverse perspectives to provide a
comprehensive look at issues of privilege including: race, gender, sexuality, class,
disability, etc."
First Alaskans Institute Elders & Youth Conference
Summary: "Today, more than 1,000 participants from rural and urban Alaska gather each year
at the First Alaskans Institute’s Elders & Youth Conference, held during AFN Convention
week. The purpose of the gathering is to develop leadership in our Native youth, strengthened
with the experience and wisdom of our Native Elders. For many participants (ages 13-18),
the conference is their first opportunity to attend a statewide gathering and to engage
in serious dialogue on issues relevant to Alaska Natives. Youth and Elders network
with statewide organizations and individuals who are making a positive impact on our
communities through Native traditions and modern technology alike."
National Conference on Race and Ethnicity (NCORE)
Summary: "NCORE® provides a significant forum for discussion and critical dialogue about race,
ethnicity, and its intersections in higher education. This forum allows people and
institutions to find effective strategies promoting access, social development, education,
positive communication, and cross-cultural understanding in diverse settings."
UAF Indigenous Peoples' Day
Summary: "Indigenous Peoples Day honors Alaska Native people, culture and knowledge. The unanimous
support for this special day acknowledges how the contributions of Alaska Native peoples
and Indigenous knowledge enhance education provided by the University of Alaska. Indigenous
Peoples Day is recognized on the second Monday of October. In 2017, the University
of Alaska Fairbanks celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day for the first time. Resolutions
from students, staff and faculty groups across the University of Alaska system have
unanimously supported recognizing “Indigenous Peoples Day.” Each campus hosted a culturally
relevant event incorporating elements of the indigenous history of place, culture
and language associated with their regions."
LGBTQ+ History Month
Summary: "We have a variety of events that celebrate art, discuss history, and celebrate LGBTQ+
history and history makers."
Festival of Native Arts
Summary: "The Festival of Native Arts provides cultural education and sharing through traditional
Native dance, music, and arts. The Festival continues the University of Alaska Fairbanks
student-led tradition that began in 1973 of bringing together artists, performers,
and performance groups in a celebration of Native cultures."
Lavender Graduation
Summary: "Lavender Graduation is an annual ceremony conducted on numerous campuses to honor
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and ally students and to acknowledge their
achievements and contributions to the University. The Lavender Graduation Ceremony
was created by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, a Jewish Lesbian, who was denied the opportunity to
attend the graduations of her biological children because of her sexual orientation.
It was through this experience that she came to understand the pain felt by her students."
UAF First-Generation Baccalaureate Cording Ceremony
Summary: "During the First-Generation Cording Ceremony each spring, we celebrate the achievements
of first-gen students along with faculty, staff and graduating first-gen students’
friends and families. First-gen graduates are given a teal honor cord to wear during
UAF’s commencement ceremony to signify that they are the first in their family to
graduate with a bachelor’s degree."
Trailblazer Recognition Ceremony
Summary: "The Trailblazer Recognition Ceremony celebrates the achievements of students who
are the first in their families to pursue post-secondary education! These students
are given an orange honor cord to wear during UAF’s commencement ceremony to signify
that they are the first in their family to graduate with post-secondary credentials."
UAF LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Summary: "LGBTQ+ Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Riots and celebrates Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ people. UAF hosts various events, trainings, and talks
during the month of June."