Assistant Professor of English at the Bristol Bay Campus, Kathy Kysar, teaches two writing courses at UAF, WRTG F111x and WRTG F211x, that offer students the opportunity to explore food sovereignty through writing. These courses focus on how food is intricately tied to culture, history, and Indigenous self-determination. Through research, storytelling, and policy analysis, students learn how writing can serve as a tool for advocacy, elevating Indigenous voices in discussions about food justice and environmental responsibility.
"Writing courses offer a space where advocacy, storytelling, and critical analysis come together to ensure that Indigenous foodways - and the knowledge they carry - continue to thrive for generations to come."
Food sovereignty in these courses goes beyond the concept of food - it’s about reclaiming traditional knowledge, protecting ecosystems, and ensuring Indigenous foodways thrive for future generations. By integrating Indigenous storytelling traditions and promoting critical thinking, these courses help students develop essential writing and advocacy skills that honor and support the sustainability of Indigenous communities.
Supported by the Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program, these courses offer tuition assistance to eligible students.
These courses are available every fall and spring, with a special summer session focusing on the intersection of climate change and food sovereignty.
Upcoming Course Offering: Summer 2025
WRTG F111x: Writing Across Contexts - Food Sovereignty: Reading Climate, Writing Change
May 19 – August 8
Online with Zoom meetings
For more information, read Kathy's full article here.