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UAF will have first college of indigenous studies in the nation [1]

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Date: 2024-05-28  

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - After a unanimous decision from the University of Alaska Board of Regents, the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Rural and Community Development is now the College of Indigenous Studies. This will be the first college in the nation for indigenous studies.

“As a leading research university in the Arctic, UAF is committed to integrating Indigenous knowledge with Western science to address global challenges,” said Charlene Stern, UAF’s vice chancellor for rural, community and Native education.

“Becoming the first-ever College of Indigenous Studies in the nation within a public university is a huge step forward for us and for advancing the positioning of Indigenous education within academia at large.” Stern added.

Established in 1972, the College of Indigenous Studies started at Kuskokwim Campus, the university’s first rural community college.

Now, the College of Indigenous Studies offers 27 different degree programs.

“I have experienced firsthand the importance of recognizing and celebrating Indigenous cultures and knowledge within our academic and athletic community,” said Destiny Reimers, a recent UAF graduate who spoke to regents during public testimony on Monday. Reimers is now pursuing a master’s degree in rural development at the College of Indigenous Studies.

“The name change not only strengthens the college’s identity but also reflects its unique position within the university, as well as nationally and internationally,” Reimers continued.

The College of Indigenous Studies curriculum will focus on preserving indigenous languages and will offer the world’s only bachelor’s degrees in Inupiaq and Yup’ik.

The college will be located in the new Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center which is scheduled for construction on the west ridge.

Copyright 2024 KTVF. All rights reserved.

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[1] Url: https://www.webcenterfairbanks.com/2024/05/28/uaf-will-have-first-college-indigenous-studies-nation/?utm_source=mile-markers.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=amid-a-great-misalignment-a-rural-college-shifts-course-to-stay-relevant

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