CXCS Newsletter Issue February 2019
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Greetings!
Welcome to the Center for Cross-Cultural Studies (CXCS) monthly newsletter. The semester is in full swing. Before you know it, it will be graduation time!
As always our faculty and staff are here to help you succeed. Please contact our office at (907) 474-1902 or email uaf-cxcs@alaska.edu if you have any questions.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and join our newsletter for updates and events and what's happening.
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Vina ƛáqvas gḷ́w̓a Brown,
Ph.D. in Indigenous Studies Candidate
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My name is Vina ƛáqvas gḷ́w̓a Brown, I am from the Heiltsuk and Nuu-Chah-Nulth Nations both located in B.C. My father Frank Brown is Heiltsuk and carries the name and chieftainship λáλíyasila. It was our latest family potlatch that I had my name ƛáqvas gḷ́w̓a affirmed within our most secret and sacred ceremony, the Caiqa, also known as our red-cedar bark ceremony. I am my family’s copper carrier; therefore, my name translates into English as Copper Canoe Woman. My mother Kathy Brown is Nuu-Chah-Nulth from the Ahousaht First Nation. Her father was a hereditary Chief and carried the name Kaput, which translates to “to stand on the hill and look down.” My mother’s older brother Russell Robinson now carries the responsibility of this name and seat.
I share my lineage and genealogy because it is a traditional and powerful way to exist in the world, it explains my inherent responsibilities. Sharing who I am demonstrates that no matter where I go in this world, I carry these responsibilities that are ancient, connect me to my homelands, my ancestors, and my community. This understanding of my Indigenous identity is foundational for me. It gives me strength as I navigate western society and institutions that are anchored in a history of colonialism yet often seeking reconciliation with First Peoples.
At 19 years old, I started my higher educational journey when I first attended Capilano University in Vancouver, BC. I immediately felt a disconnection, which at first, was difficult to fully understand and articulate. I sought to bring my experience growing up in Heiltsuk and Nuu-Chah-Nulth cultures into my academic studies, but this proved problematic. I felt like my worldview, especially as an Indigenous woman, was never fully accepted, and that I had to sacrifice my Indigenous identity to be able to participate in western academia. Indeed, it’s well documented that Indigenous students experience significant culture shock in post-secondary institutions, and I was no exception. Although initially discouraging, this experience ultimately reaffirmed my commitment to Indigenous identity, and the importance of supporting Indigenous students while they pursue higher education in western institutions and that they may have a safe, healthy, and successfully experience. This experience has made me even more grateful that there are programs like the University of Alaska’s Cross Cultural Studies Indigenous PhD Program. From the moment I began my journey at the U of A, and heard Theresa John sing a traditional song to open our class, I knew I was in the right place. I knew my identity would be strengthened and affirmed as a Heiltsuk and Nuu-Chah-Nulth Woman.
I presently teach Cultural Sovereignty Courses part-time in the Native Studies and Leadership Program at Northwest Indian College where I am also employed full-time as the Indigenous Program Coordinator at Cooperative Extension. I am new-mother, I have a ten month old son named Hongvi Schjang. He is a gift from the creator, he came down from the shimmering sky. I am grateful for him and my partner Michael Schjang. It is not easy working full-time, being a full-time student, and full-time parent. I am grateful that I have support; my family and friends fully enable me to take on my studies and work-load to the best of my capacity. One thing I have learned from this experience so far is not to stress to much about anything, it does not help the situation. When you allow yourself space to relaxed and understand that you don’t have to be perfect, it frees you up mentally to tackle the tasks in front of you. I would encourage anybody pursuing a higher education to relax and enjoy the journey, the highs and lows come and go. You will get to the end, but in the mean-time ride the wave and enjoy what you are learning about. Another, traditional value that I feel applies here is gratitude, this value is cross-cultural, and I do try my best to stay humble and grateful for each dayI am here in this realm. I encourage any student pursuing higher education to take a moment and think about the seven generations behind them, that set the table for their journey. Then think about the seven generations ahead whose journey you will impact once you become an ancestor. This exercise is incredible humbling and enlightening.
I started my PhD August 2018, in Indigenous Studies with a concentration in Knowledge Systems and Research. I wanted to use this opportunity to connect with my Nuu-chah-nulth side through my work and studies. Further, I wanted to honor the legacy of our Granny/Mother Elsie Robinson and Great-Granny/Granny Mary Little through their basketry. I want to create a Pictorial of all these Matriarchs important works, first and foremost I want to be able to provide my family and community access to my research so they can use it to teach, transfer stories, and share about the contributions and legacy of these women. I want to document my families knowledge about the weaving's in the forms of stories, dates-made, identity, inherent rights, and designs etc. I will then put together a document of all the baskets with the descriptions and knowledge gathered. It will be accessible to all our family, my intention is that we can then use it as a tool to teach our children about who these women were, and how important their role was in our family. As well as showcase their artistry by uplifting their inter-generational ripple through our family.
Indeed, basketry is fundamentally about inter-generational transference of knowledge, and is not simply limited to the physical construction of baskets. Nuu-Chah-Nulth weavers and their baskets are repositories of important cultural knowledge. My grandmother learned basketry from her mother Mary Little, who learned from her mother- back to copper woman. I want to honor Grandmothers legacy and all those that came before her by committing to learn how to weave like those many generations of women. I would study the various phases of Nuu-Chah-Nulth basketry. For example, pre-colonial contact basketry was very utilitarian, and focused on functional uses. Whereas today, basketry is increasingly symbolic, representing a time when Indigenous women were honored for their work and contributions to their communities. I want document these important roles and honor the legacy of my grandmother and all the women before her and their commitments to the health and wellness of our Nuu-Chah-Nulth culture and communities. Even though I am a distance student, I really do feel part of the University of Alaska Community, and I am excited about everything I am learning in my courses. Walas Giasixa, Tkleco, Tkleco.
To read more Student Spotlights visit our website:
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We are proud of our alumni and students!
Stay connected with the Center for Cross-Cultural Studies. Do you have an exciting career or family success story to share? We would love to feature you on our newsletter and highlight your accomplishments.
To share your story, email
uaf-cxcs@alaska.edu
with a paragraph of your accomplishments, your research, along with a photo.
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Announcement of MA Name Change to Indigenous Studies
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Happy New Year everyone!
We the staff and faculty of the Center for Cross-Cultural Studies decided approximately a year-and-a-half ago to change the name of our
Master's of Cross-Cultural Studies
to a
Master's of Indigenous Studies
to better reflect the orientation of the curriculum of the master's degree. For those of you who have already begun your Master's of Cross-Cultural Studies, this change will not effect you in any way. As of Fall semester 2019, the change will take effect, and so the next cohort of MA students (those who begin in Fall Semester of 2019) will receive a Master's of Indigenous Studies.
If you have any questions about this change of program name, please contact me.
Thank you,
Mike Koskey, Department Chair
Center for Cross-Cultural Studies
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2019 Angayuqaq Oscar Kawagley Indigenous Scholars Award
Our nomination application is now live! You may access it by clicking on the link below or going to our website at http://www.uaf.edu/cxcs/aok-award/.
Please submit your nomination by the
extended deadline April 1, 2019
. Submit your nomination today!
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A Message from the Graduate Student Administrative Coordinator Crystal Frank
Hello,
My name is Crystal Frank, I am the Graduate Student and Administrative Coordinator for Center for Cross-Cultural Studies and College of Liberal Arts (CLA).
Part of my job is to assist CLA graduate students with processing their graduate paperwork. If you are a CLA graduate student, you may receive an email from me from time to time about reminders and opportunities as they arise. Also, most importantly, all graduate school paperwork should be submitted to me for tracking. I can help with gathering signatures from your committee members and the CLA Dean.
My office is in 201E Eielson, down the hallway from the UAF Graduate School. Please stop by and let me know if you have any questions.
Hai' choo (thank you),
-Crystal
Phone: 907-474-1902
Email: cafrank@alaska.edu
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First Alaskans Institute Summer Internship
**2019 SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS**
We are excited to announce applications are now being accepted for our 2019 Summer Internship Program to place Alaska Native, American Indian, Indigenous and rural undergraduate and graduate students into organizations around Alaska to provide dynamic leadership development and employment experience. Students must be high school graduates currently enrolled in a higher education institution, or recent graduates of a higher education institution. It is a paid full-time internship with worksites available throughout Alaska, and it takes place over 10 weeks in the summer.
The application deadline is Friday, March 15, 2019.
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Indigenous Studies Apparel
Indigenous Studies t-shirts and hoodies for sale with the Indigenous Studies logo (open for anyone to order). For Indigenous Studies Ph.D. students and faculty, you can order the Indigenous Studies Qaspeq (Kuspuk) from this website:
http://kuspuks.com/.
For those graduating this spring, red sashes are available for Alaska Natives who are graduating through the College of Rural and Community Development (CRCD) (please contact them at 907-474-7143). Santa Stitches can embroider the Indigenous Studies Logo on your sash. Please email Professor Sean Topkok at
cstopkok@alaska.edu for more details and order form.
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To Order ANKN Books & Materials contact
Richard Hum at 907-474-5897
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Alaska Native Knowledge Network
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ANKN is located on the 5th floor of the Gruening Building, room 503F. Please contact Richard Hum at 907-474-5897 or email
rehum@alaska.edu
for any inquiries on books and posters.
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ANKN Monthly Book Feature
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Gwitch'in Native Elders
Not Just Knowledge, But a Way of Looking at the World
By Shawn Wilson
Gwitch'in Native Elders is the first monograph in the series Native Pathways to Education published by the Alaska Native Knowledge Network. In this study, Shawn Wilson examines the role, charateristics, and needs of Gwitch'in Native elders of Ft. Yukon, Alaska. Using participant observer and ethnographic methodologies, the researcher was able to make a distinction between respected elders and the elderly. Through the literature reviewed, it was established that strong and healthy elders are essential in the healing of their communities.
OUT OF PRINT. To download a copy, please contact the Alaska Native Knowledge Network at 907-474-5897 or email Richard Hum at rehum@alaska.edu.
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Deg Xinag Language Group
There are groups across campus who's goal is revitalizing and awakening the spirit of language. Language learning is fun and a time to meet others that have a desire to learn. Dr. LaVerne Demientieff, a professor at the School of Social Work posted about the Deg Xinag Language Group being held via teleconference. She writes.
Ade' yixudz,
Ndadz dengit'a? (How are you?)
Just wanted to send a friendly reminder that the Deg Xinag Language Group will start back up on Wednesdays, from 5:30-6:30pm. It is a teleconference.
Feel free to email if you have any questions or if there is something you would like to share in class or focus on during one of our weeks together. I am happy to facilitate this gathering each week, however, anyone is welcome to take over, teach, share, etc, even if just for the class. Our direction is led by our interest and commitment.
Reminder...language learning is a beautiful opportunity to connect to each other, our ancestors, our history, land, and values. Because there is trauma tied to the language historically we should be conscious of how that impacts us. Let us create a loving environment, where all levels learn and share in a good way. It is okay and expected to make mistakes. Celebrate that you showed up.
LMD
Dogidinh (Thank you)!
Please join the Deg Xinag Language Group
Via teleconference
The last group met on 1/30/19 from 5:30-6:30PM
For questions about upcoming dates please contact Professor LaVerne Demientieff at lmdemientieff@alaska.edu. Professor Demientieff is also a volunteer of this monthly language group.
Dogidinh (Thank you)!
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Inupiaq Language Circle
RSS Gathering Room
Mondays 6:45 p.m. -8:00 p.m.
Do you want to learn Iñupiaq and support others who want to learn Iñupiaq? Come join our language circle! We can come together and create our own learning opportunities.
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Are you planning on graduating this Spring?
Here are some important deadline reminders for PhD Indigenous Studies students:
Step 1: Graduation applications are due
February 15th for Spring graduation.
Step 2: Final dissertation is due to the
CXCS Department Chair Mike Koskey on March 10th (once changes are made as requested, the dissertation will be sent back to the student's committee for review, once the committee is okay with it, you may forward it to Dean Todd Sherman).
Step 3:Final dissertation is
due to CLA Dean Sherman March 24th for review (email a Word format electronic copy to
tlsherman@alaska.edu and also be sure to cc: Mike Koskey at mskoskey@
alaska.edu and your committee members) - - at the same time please email your Thesis Approval Form to Crystal Frank at cafrank@alaska.edu. She will assist with gathering the signatures.
Note: Once the Dean has reviewed the final dissertation, it will be sent back to the student and committee with suggestions via email. Also be sure to acknowledge the receipt of his email with suggestions.
Step 4: Once changes are made and is also approved by your committee chair, a copy of your final dissertation can be submitted on the UAF Graduate School website for formatting. It is
due to the UAF Graduate School April 7th.
Outside examiner needs to be requested two weeks before the oral defense.
All other graduate school paperwork is due April 24th
To learn more about the graduation process, please join our Brown Bag Luncheon. See flier below for more information. RSVP to Richard Hum at rehum@alaska.edu
Good luck on the semester everyone! Please contact our office if you have questions.
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Important Dates & Deadlines!
- 2/15/19 - Deadline for UA Foundation and privately funded scholarship applications
- 2/15/19 - Deadline to apply for Spring 2019 graduation
- 2/25/19 - Early progress reports due
- 2/28/19-3/2/19 - Festival of Native Arts, UAF campus 6PM-Midnight
- 3/1/19 - MA and PhD Indigenous Studies Admission Applications are DUE for CXCS (Fall admission only)
- 3/10/19 - Thesis dissertations are due to CXCS Department Chair Michael Koskey for review
- 3/11/19-3/15/19 - Spring break (no classes)
- 3/15/19 - University holiday (most offices closed for spring break)
- 3/18/19 - Fall 2019 course list available at UAOnline
- 3/24/19 - Thesis/Dissertation Deadline to the CLA Dean's Office
- 3/29/19 - Last day for student and faculty initiated withdrawals (W grade appears on academic transcripts)
- 4/1/19 - Begin fall 2019 priority registration (UAF degree students)
- 4/15/19 - Begin fall 2019 open registration (all UAF, UAA and UAS students, including non-degree students)
- 4/19/19 - Spring Fest (classes are NOT cancelled)
- 4/29/19 - Last day of instruction
- 4/30/19-5/4/19 - Final examinations
- 5/4/19 Commencement
- 5/8/19 - Deadline for faculty to post grades, noon.
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46th Annual Festival of Native Arts
“Together We Are Rising”
2019 Festival of Native Arts
February 28th, March 1st & March 2nd, 2019!
Location: Davis Concert Hall, UAF Campus
Time: 5:30PM-Midnight performances and vendor tables
Contact the Festival office at 907-474-6528 for any questions.
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University of Alaska Fairbanks
Center for Cross-Cultural Studies
201 Eielson Building, UAF campus
PO Box 756730
Fairbanks, AK 99775-6730
Phone: (907) 474-1902
Office Hours 8AM-5PM M-F
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