Michael Krauss memorial

September 19, 2019

University Relations

A memorial service for Michael Krauss will be held Sunday, Sept. 22, from 4-6 p.m. in the Davis Concert Hall. A gathering will follow in the Regents' Great Hall.

Krauss was the one of the world’s foremost scholars of Alaska Native languages and their history and structure. His work to identify and document the Native languages of Alaska, as well as related languages in Canada and Russia, led to the creation of one of the most comprehensive collection of language documentation in the world, the Michael E. Krauss Alaska Native Language Archive.

Krauss focused awareness on the global endangered languages crisis, stressing the need to document these languages for future generations. His seminal work with Eyak, whose last speaker died in 2008, continued until the time of his death, and serves as a key resource for Eyak language reclamation efforts.

Krauss joined the UAF faculty in 1960 and served as director of the Alaska Native Language Center from its inception in 1972 until his retirement in June 2000. He remained active in efforts to document and promote Alaska’s Native languages and Indigenous languages across the world.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Alaska Native Language Archive. Contributions may be made via check or online (reference "In memory of Dr. Michael Krauss"). For more information, please contact UAF Development at 474-2619.

A memorial service for friends and family will be held at the University Community Presbyterian Church Monday, Sept. 23, from noon-1 p.m.