Born in Savoonga, Alaska, Caleb Lumen Pungowiyi was a strong advocate for conservation, subsistence, and Alaska Native stewardship of resources. Caleb championed education and encouraged fellow Inuit to work cooperatively with businesses, advocacy groups, and government organizations to preserve and protect our resources.
In his honor, the Caleb Scholars Program is a unique advocacy development program that takes a multifaceted approach to support our scholars; we invest in five components that are key to developing Inuit conservation advocacy: community connection, cultural connection, professional development, mentorship support, and monetary support.
One of Caleb’s goals was to increase Alaskan Inuit in fields related to conservation, responsible development, and the protection of subsistence rights and cultural heritage. Another goal was to increase the number and visibility of strong Alaskan Inuit leaders. Our program has helped with both goals through a focus on cultural, educational, and professional training strategies. But there is more work to be done.
Our Mission
The Caleb Scholars Program supports Alaska Native students from Arctic regions. Our scholars continue Caleb Pungowiyi’s legacy of advocacy by stewarding our ancestral knowledge and protecting our Arctic communities and ecosystems.
Our Vision
Empowered Alaska Native scholars: Leading the way to thriving ecosystems through ancestral knowledge and stewardship.
