Ӱ

Header Logo

Feb. 16, 2024

Dear faculty, staff and students,

Please join me today in celebrating Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, a day that honors a significant leader in Ӱ’s civil rights history. Peratrovich, a Tlingit woman and Grand President of the Ӱ Native Sisterhood, was instrumental in passing the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 that banned discrimination based on race in Ӱ. The Anti-Discrimination Act was the first state or territorial anti-discrimination law enacted in the United States.

As we reflect on Peratrovich's legacy, there are numerous ways we can continue to build on her work at Ӱ. Our initiative to build the Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center strives to create a central Ӱ Native gathering place with classes, services and activities that affirm Ӱ Native culture and contributions across Ӱ. At the Indigenous studies center, leaders, students, scientists, and community members will finally have a place to gather together and continue to make Ӱ a place of belonging for all. You can learn more and get involved on the Troth Yeddha’ Initiative website.

Next week, Ӱ will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Festival of Native Arts from Feb. 22-24. This year’s theme, “Troth Yeddha’ Forever: Our Ways of Life” honors the ancestral lands of the Lower Tanana Dene where our Troth Yeddha’ campus is located. I encourage you to participate in this unique, student-run event. Thank you to everyone who makes this event possible!

Thank you for working to make Ӱ a place of respect, diversity, inclusion and caring.

Thanks for choosing Ӱ.

Dan White, chancellor

Ӱ is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: .