NOTN- The Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska and the University of Alaska Southeast are launching a collaborative effort to develop a School of Indigenous Studies in Southeast Alaska.
Leaders from both organizations signed a memorandum of understanding at the Andrew Hope Building in downtown Juneau this morning, marking what officials describe as an initial step toward building a new academic program grounded in Indigenous knowledge.
This is only the biggening of the collaboration.
The agreement signed, outlines a shared vision between Tlingit and Haida and UAS, of an education model that reflects Indigenous languages, traditions and values, that supports workforce development, research and economic opportunities.
“We are really excited to have a formal relationship with the tribe to create a school of Indigenous Studies at UAS.” Said UAS Chancellor Aparna Palmer, “This is one of the few times where a university has worked with a tribe to co-create a vision for this school, and the school is so important and transformative and amazing because it will honor the values of the tribe, while at the same time giving us a chance to bring together all of the disciplines that we already offer.”
As part of the effort, a working group, with representatives from both Tlingit & Haida and the university will be formed to develop a roadmap for the School of Indigenous Studies.
“We already offer classes on the language and the culture and the history of the indigenous peoples of Southeast Alaska, and now they will be housed at a school that is specific and integrated within UAS.”
