Hensleys to give perspective on ANCSA at public lecture
June 29, 2011
907-474-7902
6/29/11
The University of Alaska Fairbanks will host Willie Hensley and his daughter, Elizabeth Hensley, for a free public lecture Thursday, July 7, at 7 p.m. in the Schaible Auditorium on the UAF campus.
The Hensleys will discuss the history of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and offer the perspective of a younger generation. The event will be webstreamed live at www.alaskalivestream.com.
William L. Iggiagruk Hensley is an Inupiaq from Kotzebue who is known for his service to Alaska. He served in the state House and Senate for 10 years, was the director of NANA Regional Corporation, is a former commerce commissioner for the State of Alaska, and is retired from Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. He is a co-founder of the Alaska Federation of Natives, the Northwest Alaska Native Association and the Alaska Village Electric Cooperative.
Elizabeth Saagulik Hensley is from Anchorage and Kotzebue. She holds an undergraduate degree in Native American studies and anthropology from Dartmouth College and a law degree from the University of Arizona College of Law. Her legal experience has involved indigenous government and economic development. She worked as a legislative aide to state Rep. Reggie Joule and is currently senior policy advisor to the assistant secretary for Indian affairs at the federal Department of the Interior.
This event is the first in a series of public lectures and presentations by the UAF Department of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development to commemorate 40 years since the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971.
Willie Hensley will also sign his book, “Fifty Miles From Tomorrow,” following the lecture. Copies of the book will also be available for purchase for $15.
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Kay Thomas, Alaska Native Studies, at 907-474-6528 or klthomas@alaska.edu. Marmian Grimes, UAF public information officer, at 907-474-7902 or via e-mail at marmian.grimes@alaska.edu.
ON THE WEB: www.uaf.edu/rahi
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