UAA
instructors introduced to Native culture
By Kim Perry
Northern Light
University of
Alaska Anchorage professors received a lesson in Alaska
Native culture Oct. 19 at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
The College of Arts and Sciences hosted a faculty orientation
to introduce Alaska Native peoples and cultures to faculty
and professors new to the state.
| The
event was held “in a effort to respond to a
feeling voiced by some Alaska Native students last
spring that they did not feel welcome at UAA,”
Kerry Feldman, associate dean for students and curricular
affairs for the CAS, wrote in an email interview.
|
English
professor Dr. Judith Moore attended the CAS faculty
orientation at the Alaska Native Heritage Center
on Oct. 19 |
“The faculty
will have a better understanding and more knowledge of the
environment the Native students are coming out of,”
said Dr. Ted Kassier, dean of CAS. “It gives a better
idea of how faculty can work with Native students.”
About 80 people
attended the gathering to learn about the history of Alaska
Native cultures and become acquainted with Native traditions.
The program included
a tour of the Alaska Native Heritage Center, a demonstration
by King Island dancers, a Tlingit storyteller and an Alaska
Native cultural film.
“It has
exposed people to aspects of Native cultural that they wouldn't
have otherwise known,” said Dr. Quentin Reuer, biology
professor. “They [the dancers] seem to be in touch
with their history.”
“It's a
great introduction to cultures of Alaska,” said Jen
Everett, a new philosophy professor. “It's a really
good idea. I think they should do it every year.”
The program provided
the opportunity for instructors to ask questions about Alaska
Native culture and interact with other professors. Among
the presenters was Willy Templeton, interim director for
Native Student Services at UAA.
“There's
quite a variety when it comes to Alaska Native students,”
Templeton said. “The dangerous thing is when you try
to stereotype them.”
The dean's office
considered the event a success and was satisfied with the
results.
“We hope
the college would begin a new tradition,” said Feldman.
|
