A place for thinking and working together
The Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center will serve as a central Alaska Native gathering place with classes, services and activities as a breathtaking tribute that affirms Alaska Native culture and contributions across Alaska. The Center will be built at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) . With growing enrollment of Indigenous students and a history steeped in culture, the Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center champions a path forward to honor Alaska’s First Peoples, to meet the current and future campus demands and to prepare the University for academic growth.
A place where Alaska Native students receive support
Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center is a key pillar to the Alaska Native Success Initiative. Your support will help:
- Increase educational access for rural and Indigenous Students
- Support the goals of the Alaska Native Success Initiative
- Connect Alaska Native programs and staff in one unified facility
A place to honor Alaska Native culture
Troth Yeddha’ is a visible and tangible symbol of the University of Alaska’s commitment to equal access and opportunity. Your support will help:
- Create a place of belonging that is reflective of UAF’s student body (21% Indigenous)
- Build a commercial kitchen and butcher shop to promote traditional subsistence activities
- Establish a location for all to learn about the rich cultures of Alaska
A place for graduate students and scholars
Troth Yeddha’ aims to solidify the University of Alaska as a recognized global leader in Alaska Native and Indigenous Studies. Your support will:
- Expand Indigenous representation in graduate level programs
- Elevate Indigenous knowledge in Arctic research
- Champion the revitalization of Alaska Native languages
A place for students to achieve their vision
Troth Yeddha’ is an investment in economic and workforce development designed to strengthen the pipeline of Alaska Native students into high-demand careers.
Timing is crucial as we respond to demand in areas such as the revitalization of Indigenous languages, restoration of cultural knowledge, community healing, and centering Indigenous knowledge.
A place of pride and learning
The Indigenous Studies Center will house:
Campaign goal
UAF aims to fund the majority of this project with privately raised funds.
We invite you to join the many who have already pledged their philanthropic support
to advance the vision for the initiative.
$1 million Kinross gift boosts Troth Yeddha’ Initiative
A $1 million donation from Kinross will bring the Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center one step closer to reality.
“This important project will position UAF as a global leader in Indigenous STEM science and innovation that will benefit our community, state and nation,” said Charlene Stern, UAF’s vice chancellor for rural, community and Native education. “This gift demonstrates Kinross’ commitment to the vision for Alaska Native and Indigenous programs that will help to meet Alaska’s workforce needs now and into the future.” Learn more.
Thank you to all of the generous donors who have supported the Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center.
- Anonymous
- Alyeska Pipeline Service Company*
- Carol and Raymond Barnhardt*
- Thomas and Sheila Barrett
- The Brooks Family; In Memory of C. Bradford Brooks & Bernice M. Joseph
- Chugach Alaska Corporation
- Doyon, Limited
- President Jim Johnsen and Mrs. Johnsen
- Jones & Jones Architect and Landscape Architects Ltd
- Brian Rogers and Sherry Modrow
- Grace Berg Schaible+
- Aaron Schutt and Marissa Flannery
- Tanana Chiefs Conference
- UAF Alumni Association
- Sealaska Corporation
To learn more about the initiative or to make a gift,
contact UAF Development and Alumni Relations at uaf-giving@alaska.edu, 907-474-2619.
A named place
About the name Troth Yeddha’
The Athabascan (or Dene) languages have ancient ties to the Tanana River Valley. Dene place names are functional, rule driven, and memorizable and are shared with neighboring languages. The ridge that is the site of the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus was called Troth Yeddha’ (sometimes spelled Troth Yetth) by the Lower Tanana Dene (or Athabascans). Lower Tanana is the indigenous language spoken from Moose Creek Bluff (east of North Pole) down the Tanana to Baker Creek/Zitziana River. The Chena Athabascan band ranged between the Chena River and the Alaska Range.
For nearly a century many Tanana Valley Athabascan experts have shared with pride facts about the place name Troth Yeddha’. Troth is the plant (Hedysarum alpinum) known in English as “Indian potato,” “wild potato,” and “wild carrot.” The word yeddha’ means “its ridge, its hill.” The troth roots were the most important vegetable food for the Alaska Athabascans. Troth can still be found in steam beds and flood plains between the university and the Tanana River.
—Information from the Alaska Native Language Center
Pronouncing the name
—Matthew Titus pronounced the name Troth Yeddha’ in 1981 in this recording.
