Oct. 11, 2021

Dear students, faculty and staff,

Today, UAF joins thousands of communities across the country in recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This is an important part of UAF’s role as a global leader in Alaska Native and Indigenous studies, and is one of many ways we can create a more inclusive and welcoming university.

I invite you to join me online at noon for UAF’s events, featuring a keynote address from Dr. Pearl Brower, the University of Alaska’s senior advisor for Alaska Native success, institutional diversity and student engagement. This year’s theme is “Raising Indigenous Voices.” 

Later today, the Nanook Diversity and Action Center and Rural Student Services will be hosting an Indigenous Peoples’ Day Gathering in the Wood Center ballroom at 6 p.m., which will feature singing, dancing and frybread provided courtesy of Doyon. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Native Education and the Master Planning Committee for taking up the charge to help inform Indigenous signage on our campus. As a kickoff to this effort, the electronic sign at the main entrance of the Fairbanks campus now reads “Welcome to Troth Yeddha’” to recognize the long history and significance of this place to the Dena people of the Interior. We invite you to join us in celebrating this important day!   

Thanks for choosing UAF.

— Dan White, chancellor