College of Indigenous Studies

Welcome back! I hope you all had a restful and rejuvenating holiday break. As we begin the Spring 2025 semester, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation to work alongside each of you once again. Together, we can continue providing impactful opportunities for the individuals and communities we serve.

I want to express my profound appreciation for the work you do to deliver quality education and exceptional student support. Your dedication extends beyond the classroom and touches our communities, state, nation, and even has international reaches. The service you provide not only enriches the university but also strengthens the bonds within our community, fostering growth and collaboration.

It is truly an honor to work with faculty and staff who consistently place our students and community at the heart of their efforts. Your passion and professionalism set the standard for excellence that our college is known for. The positive influence you have on our students inspires them to reach their full potential and prepares them to contribute meaningfully to society.

I am particularly looking forward to our upcoming Dean's Forums. The forums have proven to be excellent opportunities for us to come together with the goal of continuing to collaborate to enhance our programs, processes and systems. By working together, we can streamline our efforts, ensuring that we not only pursue our passions efficiently but also uphold the highest quality standards that define our institution.

Let's embrace the opportunities this new semester brings and continue to support one another in our shared mission. Your insights and expertise are vital as we strive to innovate and improve. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of our students and the well-being of our community.

Thank you for your relentless dedication and the extraordinary work you do every day. I am confident that, with continued support and collaboration, this semester will be filled with achievements and growth.

Wishing you all a successful and inspiring Spring 2025 semester!

Enaa baasee’,

Teisha Simmons

November/December New Hires and Promotions

Our Success Stories

$3M in USDA/NIFA Awards Drive Indigenous Learning at CIS

Money Matters & Reminders from HR

Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center: A New Era for UAF

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has reached an exciting milestone in its journey to enhance Indigenous education and cultural representation. A Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued for the construction of the Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center, marking a critical step forward for this $40 million project.

Proposals are due by January 28, 2025, with the selected contractor to be announced on February 11, 2025. Construction is slated to begin in spring 2025.

Once completed, the center will be a central hub for Indigenous education and community connection, housing programs like the Alaska Native Language Center and Rural Alaska Honors Institute. It will feature classrooms, a teaching kitchen, and an outdoor interpretive park, benefiting the College of Indigenous Studies and other departments.

Learn more about this landmark project and the vision it represents at the Troth Yeddha’ Initiative.

Flora Jane Harper was the first Alaska Native student to graduate from the University of Alaska in 1935. Despite facing significant hardships, she persevered with determination and resilience to earn her college degree, becoming an inspiring example of perseverance and achievement. In 1994, the University of Alaska Fairbanks honored her legacy by naming the Harper Building after her. Read her incredible story here.

Submission by Shaelene Bond, Academic Advisor, Rural Student Services

Ori is a black lab and akita, she is 6 years old and she is very vocal when its feeding time and going for walks. Rosco is a pure yellow lab, he is 5 years old and is obsessed with fetch and finding the perfect stick. Malak'u is a special needs dog because she had parvo at 6 weeks old and we had to take her to Anchorage to get her 24hr care. She is 2 years old and a lab mix, our vet in town nicknamed her Cuckoo Malak'u. They all love going for walks, hikes, camping and cuddling.

Submission by Lisa Yancey

A heartfelt thank you to Suzi Tanski for her exceptional leadership in onboarding our new CIS Marketing and Communications Manager. Her efforts ensured a seamless transition, and her continued support during this time was invaluable. Suzi’s expertise has played a key role in guiding our team through this change while keeping the momentum of our marketing efforts strong. While we will miss her, we are grateful for her contributions and wish her the very best.

We are also thrilled to welcome Elvie Underwood as our new Visual Communication Specialist! Elvie brings a wealth of experience and creativity to our team, and we’re excited to have her on board.

A huge shoutout to the entire Marketing and Communications team, including Audrey, Suzi, and Elvie, for their dedication to keeping our initiatives running smoothly and without disruption. Your hard work is truly appreciated!

Indigenous Terms for Blueberry

Asiavik Iñupiaq

Curaq Yup'ik

Gege Koyukon

Here's an easy and healthy recipe to use up those blueberries in your freezer:

Blueberry Chia Jam

3 cups frozen blueberries

1/4 cup 100% pure maple syrup

1/4 cup chia seeds

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and let cool about 30 minutes. Enjoy. Store leftovers in a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

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