Advancing Indigenous Learning: CIS Projects Funded by $3M ANNH Grants

University of Alaska Fairbanks – Chukchi Campus
Project Uqapiaguguuruna: I Love to Speak Iñupiaq

The Chukchi Campus language learning workshop addresses the endangerment of Alaska Native languages, particularly Iñupiaq, as an integral part of culture. Focused on revitalizing Iñupiaq, it seeks to combat the decline in fluent speakers and promote cultural preservation. In collaboration with local partners and UAF programs, the workshop offers language camps, professional training, and resources such as an online pronunciation guide to support bilingual educators and students. This initiative strengthens cultural identity, inspires future generations, and creates opportunities for economic and community growth, ultimately fostering the resilience of Alaska Native languages and cultures. 

University of Alaska Fairbanks – Northwest Campus
Project Bering Strait Summer Science & Art

The Bering Strait Summer Science & Art project integrates Indigenous pedagogy to address educational disparities and promote food sovereignty in Arctic Alaska. By combining hands-on, place-based curricula with culturally reflective lessons, the initiative prepares Alaska Native students for careers in food and energy systems while addressing critical issues like climate change, food security, and community health. Innovative programs such as the High Latitude Range Management curriculum and summer camps foster leadership, resilience, and collaboration between Indigenous and academic knowledge systems.

University of Alaska Fairbanks – Interior Alaska Campus
Project Rural Nutrition

The Rural Nutrition project, led by Interior Alaska Campus (IAC), aims to enhance health and food security for Alaska Native communities by increasing the use of traditional wild foods through place-based, culturally rooted education. Over three years, IAC will host 24 classes and workshops focused on gathering, preserving, and using wild foods, incorporating topics such as traditional ecological knowledge, food-based health information, and skills like fish drying and plant identification. The project emphasizes hands-on learning, contributions from Alaska Native Elders, and online resources to expand access and preserve Indigenous knowledge.

University of Alaska Fairbanks and Partner Campuses
Project Drumbeats Alaska: Place-Based Solutions for Alaska Native Food & Energy Sovereignty

The Drumbeats Alaska project, led by UAF’s College of Indigenous Studies and six Alaska Native-Serving Institutions, advances food and energy security and sovereignty (FES) through innovative, culturally reflective, place-based education. By integrating Indigenous knowledge with academic curricula, the initiative addresses the exclusion of Alaska Native experiences and values in traditional FANH (food, agricultural, natural resources, and human sciences) approaches. Drumbeats equips Alaska Native students with leadership skills, prepares them for diverse FANH careers, and supports local food and energy security in the face of climate change. The project aims to increase Alaska Native representation in FES, foster resilience, and sustain traditional knowledge and practices for future generations. 

Explore the full list of awards and details on the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture website.

The 2024 ANNH Awards, funded by the Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program (ANNH), provide vital support for education, research, and community development in food, agriculture, and natural resource sciences. The program addresses the educational needs of Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, prioritizing projects that strengthen institutional capacities, promote educational equity, and prepare students for careers in the FANH sciences. Focus is placed on enhancing food and agricultural teaching programs and supporting underrepresented students.