Feb. 16, 2024 

Dear faculty, staff and students,

Please join me today in celebrating Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, a day that honors a significant leader in Alaska’s civil rights history. Peratrovich, a Tlingit woman and Grand President of the Alaska Native Sisterhood, was instrumental in passing the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 that banned discrimination based on race in Alaska. The Anti-Discrimination Act was the first state or territorial anti-discrimination law enacted in the United States. 

As we reflect on Peratrovich's legacy, there are numerous ways we can continue to build on her work at UAF. Our initiative to build the Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center strives to create a central Alaska Native gathering place with classes, services and activities that affirm Alaska Native culture and contributions across Alaska. At the Indigenous studies center, leaders, students, scientists, and community members will finally have a place to gather together and continue to make UAF a place of belonging for all. You can learn more and get involved on the Troth Yeddha’ Initiative website. 

Next week, UAF will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Festival of Native Arts from Feb. 22-24. This year’s theme, “Troth Yeddha’ Forever: Our Ways of Life” honors the ancestral lands of the Lower Tanana Dene where our Troth Yeddha’ campus is located. I encourage you to participate in this unique, student-run event. Thank you to everyone who makes this event possible!

Thank you for working to make UAF a place of respect, diversity, inclusion and caring.

Thanks for choosing UAF.

Dan White, chancellor