Today, the University of Alaska honors Indigenous Peoples Day.
Alaska Native knowledge systems, languages, and traditions are not something the university adds on to its mission. They are a source of strength for the entire institution.
ALT A young Indigenous child stands on a ramp in the foreground, wearing a black dress, furry moccasins, a woven headband, and a red and black button blanket cape adorned with mother-of-pearl buttons. Behind the child stands an adult wearing a similar large black and red button blanket cape over a black tunic with a red formline design. The adult holds a carved green, blue, and brown wooden mask over their face. In the background, people in graduation regalia and woven hats sit in stands.
ALT An elderly Indigenous man in a wheelchair smiles as he is guided down an aisle of clapping faculty and graduates at a commencement ceremony. He wears a light-blue shirt, dark pants, furry moccasins, a purple academic hood, and a tan fur-lined hide robe, holding a traditional woven spruce root hat. A woman in a black academic gown and blue stole smiles as she pushes his wheelchair. In the background, a large screen reads "Commencement 2026."
ALT Indigenous dancers and drummers perform at a graduation ceremony. In the foreground, a young man wears a patterned blue parka, beaded necklace, dark pants, and fur-lined boots with blue tassels. He holds a traditional round drum and drumstick. Beside him, another performer in a similar style with a fur headdress also plays a drum. In the background, academic graduates in black caps and gowns stand on a stage before a large blue backdrop featuring a yellow and blue "UAF" university logo, with the United States flag on the left.