Student spotlight

Kendrick Hautala

M.S.Student Kendrick Hautala

Fisheries 
Putting together stories about Indigenous people has always interested me, right now I’m working on the history of fisheries governance in Alaska. What it was before outside influence for the Indigenous people, how it was during Colonization, and where we are now. 

 

How did you initially become interested in your specific field of study? 

The Tamamta Program is really what caught my interest. It appears that a lot of the science done today is in regards to discovering new unknown things. I wanted to explore and share the known about our peoples history in order bring the biggest change with my time in this program.

 

What attracted you to pursue graduate studies at UAF? 

The vision of change attracted me. Science has always been a realm hard to navigate unless the same language and ways of viewing the world is the same and accepted. Today the Tamamta program supports Indigenous students from all over whose peoples science has existed and used today,I could not do it without the support of all who make up the program.

 

What motivates you? What do you think is important about your work?

I grew up at fishcamp and had the best opportunity to see and experience what salmon mean to Indigenous people regarding culture and traditions, and it brought families together. I am motivated when I think about my ancestors and their relations with each other, the land, the animals, the fish. I am motivated when I look at my children and wonder how it will be for them and my children's children and how they will relate to the land, animals, and fish. In order to understand where we need to go as a society between two worldviews, we all need to know where we have been. What really motivates me though is getting out and having the opportunity to hunt and harvest animals. Especially when teaching and sharing during those times.

 

Have you faced any challenges in your pursuit of graduate studies? 

To be honest this has been the hardest time of my life. I started attending graduate school during the pandemic. I was working part-time my first year and full time graduate academic load. A growing family with three little ones under five. Graduate school on its own is hard enough. I can’t thank my wife Marissa enough. She has been encouraging, supportive,  and understanding.  Remembering what to be grateful for has really helped center me. Our Lord has carried me and my family this far. I believe he has plans for us all. It is God that Girdeth me with strength, And maketh my way perfect. Psalm 18

 

What are the next steps in your career? 

I plan to finish up my coursework this spring and then finish my project by the Fall semester. I plan to stay in Alaska to work.

What advice would you give to incoming or current graduate students?

Surround yourself with people that help you and hold you accountable to your true self. Through the hardest times during your experience in school God will always be there, and he’d love to hear about your project