ilLUMENate BLOG

Cheyenne earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alaska Southeast! She has stepped into a Summer Director position with the ANSEP Acceleration Academy where students have begun participating in summer activities. She shares, “Working with students and supporting them achieve their educational goals is incredibly important to me!” Way to go, Cheyenne! Here, she is photographed at her commencement ceremony with her mom, Tillie Ticket, and her husband, Deion Foote. Check out her bio here: https://www.calebscholars.org/scholars/cheyenne-ticket/ Read More

Name: Yosty Storms (Aliġaq) Hometown and/or current city: Unalakleet - hometown. Anchorage - current city Current job or title: ANSEP Senior Director - K-8 Degree title: B.S. Natural Sciences How do you currently engage with conservation and/or cultural activities? My job, being at home, doing subsistence. What is something about our people, culture, and communities that make you feel proud? Whenever there is an opportunity to share resources or knowledge with others, we give without hesitation because we know that we prosper when contributing to the well-being of our communities. What is an issue that is important to you that you think people should get more involved with? There's a wide range of issues that Alaska Native communities face that I think people Read More

Name: Tonia Qanannaq Osborne Hometown and/or current city: Nome, Alaska Current job or title: Artist Degree title: BS Marine Biology How do you currently engage with conservation and/or cultural activities? Working in education has given me the opportunity to share with children the opportunities they have in the STEM field. I share all the cool jobs I've worked where I've traveled to encourage them to continue their education. I work with ivory and baleen and always educate people on the importance of our relationship to marine mammals and our subsistence rights. I would love to eventually teach ivory carving to older kids and young adults when I have an official carving space. What is something about our people, culture, and communities that make you feel Read More

Name: Nicole Panigiuq Kannik Wojciechowski Hometown and/or current city: Utqiagvik Current job or title: Deputy Director of Wildlife Management Degree title: Master's of Marine Affairs How do you currently engage with conservation and/or cultural activities? In daily job, in participation in subsistence and cultural activities at home What is something about our people, culture, and communities that make you feel proud? Gathering and sense of community and support. What is an issue that is important to you that you think people should get more involved with? Building up our youth and volunteerism What advice do you have for current and prospective Caleb Scholars? Find your passion in contributing to your communities and go with it. Read More

Name: Michelle Ngusighmii Slwooko Hometown and/or current city: Anchorage, Alaska Current job or title: Environmental Analyst Degree title to be shared: Bachelor of Science How do you currently engage with conservation and/or cultural activities? I have not in a hot minute. But I do admire the videos and photos on social media of people who do and share. What is something about our people, culture, and communities that make you feel proud? Our history. The fact that we all survived and thrived in harsh climates. Simply amazes me. What is an issue that is important to you that you think people should get more involved with? Littering and recycling. We have one Earth and it's future is not looking so great. What advice do you have for current and prospective Read More

Name: Kunaq Hometown and/or current city: Nome Current job or title: Self-employed , artist Degree title: Bachelors in Alaska Native Studies How do you currently engage with conservation and/or cultural activities? By living a subsistence lifestyle and teaching and sharing as much as possible. What is something about our people, culture, and communities that make you feel proud? Our love and support for each other. What is an issue that is important to you that you think people should get more involved with? People need to go on the land more and subsist. What advice do you have for current and prospective Caleb Scholars? Any action is good action for the life and well-being of our community and environment. Read More

Name: Iñuraaq Kaylene Evans Hometown and/or current city: Sitñasuak, Alasks / Nu'uanu, Hawai'i Current job or title: Artist Degree title: MA Indigenous Politics How do you currently engage with conservation and/or cultural activities? I use poetry, photography, and videography as a form of storytelling and advocacy of our culture and environment. I ground myself in subsistence living, so I love to harvest, prepare and share our healthy and nourishing foods. I continue to bead, sew, and learn jewelry making. Although living in Hawai'i, I practice my values and connect to local and Native communities. I speak 'Ōlelo Hawaiʻi and am learning weaving, as a way to continue to connect to the land and Native peoples. What is something about our people, culture, and communities Read More

Name: Kivaaluk Hometown and/or current city: Nome Current job or title: EESS Office Manager Degree title: Alaska Native Studies Read More

Name: Joanne Hanson Hometown and/or current city: Unalakleet, AK Current job or title: Fisheries Biologist Degree title: Natural Science How do you currently engage with conservation and/or cultural activities? Right now, I currently have not had any time to engage in conservation and/or cultural activities since I am transitioning into a full time job and have a 5 month old. What is something about our people, culture, and communities that make you feel proud? Our resiliency that has been handed down from generation to generation is always something I will be proud of. We adapt to different situations and are always teaching, learning and listening. What is an issue that is important to you that you think people should get more involved with? Conservation is a Read More

Name: Isaac bailey. Atoyuk Hometown and/or current city: Fairbanks Current job or title: Clinical pharmacist Degree title to be shared: MS, PharmD How do you currently engage with conservation and/or cultural activities? Still hunt and fish with a passion! What is something about our people, culture, and communities that make you feel proud? Resilience and determination to continue traditional activities in this day and age. What is an issue that is important to you that you think people should get more involved with? Get on the science bandwagon and help figure out carbon capture to turn back to fuels. What advice do you have for current and prospective Caleb Scholars? Continue working hard and things will fall into place Read More

Name: Denali Quyanna Qapvik Whiting Hometown and/or current city: Qikiqtaġruk, Sisualik, Katyuuraq Current job or title: Caleb Scholars Program Director Degree title: Alaska Native Studies, American Sign Language How do you currently engage with conservation and/or cultural activities? As the director for the Caleb Scholars Program, I am regularly working with our scholars, board, partners, and others to seek opportunities for advancing Inuit-led conservation advocacy. I spend time at home often to subsist with family in an effort to keep our freezers and iñua full. As a new mom, I have also been doing more skin sewing and continue seeking projects and experiences to further connect with my ancestors, community, and culture. What is an issue that is important to you that Read More

Name: Aaluk Hometown and/or current city: Anchorage Current job or title: High school social studies teacher How do you currently engage with conservation and/or cultural activities? Discuss cultural/environmental impacts of climate change. Being a teacher, I talk about cultural impacts with my students and am looking forward to my AK studies class. What is something about our people, culture, and communities that make you feel proud? That we help each other in a time of need. Culturally, we are a rich people What is an issue that is important to you that you think people should get more involved with? Climate change and how it will effect our culture. What advice do you have for current and prospective Caleb Scholars? That life is an investment, you get what Read More

Name: Amber “Attasiaq” Otton Hometown and/or current city: Nome Current job or title: CTE Teacher How do you currently engage with conservation and/or cultural activities? Year round subsistence with my family and always learning more What is something about our people, culture, and communities that make you feel proud? Our resilience What is an issue that is important to you that you think people should get more involved with? Tribal education and indigenous language What advice do you have for current and prospective Caleb Scholars? Always reach out for help! Is there anything else that you would like to share about yourself or your experience with CSP? I am very grateful for CSP and all the support and fellowship I’ve recieved over the years. Quyana! Read More

Name: Abuzanuq Hometown and/or current city: Unalakleet Current job: Media intern How do you currently engage with conservation and/or cultural activities? I hope to continue featuring our community's culture and climate through multimedia platforms and advocate for food sovereignty and subsistence rights, and fight for conservation driven by traditional knowledge. What is something about our people, culture, and communities that make you feel proud? Our resilience. Our beautiful art, dance, song, humor, and family ties holds us together and keeps our culture strong. The continued support for our youth and elders. What is an issue that is important to you that you think people should get more involved with? ICWA and government issues to make change at a Read More

We have updated our Program Policies! These new policies outline a handful of changes for the program and build the foundation of our commitment to Inuit-led conservation advocacy. In our policies you can find detailed information on eligibility, how to apply, the award process, scholar requirements and maintaining eligibility, funding opportunities for the Caleb Scholars Community, and more. This is a great resource to read to better understand who we are. You can find the Program Policies under the Resources tab > Program Policies. Read More

We have created a digital newsletter to send out periodically to keep our Caleb Scholars community engaged with the program and share scholar and program updates. Please see the latest newsletter here. If you’re interested in subscribing to receive the next newsletter directly to your inbox, click the link below or in the top left corner of the newsletter page! SUBSCRIBE Read More

YOI! Please join me in welcoming our spring 2021 scholarship recipients: Continuing scholar Lori Hughes, Rural Development, University of Alaska Fairbanks Continuing scholar Cassidy Kramer, Secondary Education and Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks Continuing scholar Cheyenne Ticket, Elementary Education, University of Alaska Southeast Continuing scholar Allie Ivanoff, Journalism, University of Oregon Continuing scholar Emily Pomrenke, Fine Art, University of Alaska Fairbanks Read More

Congrats to Caleb Scholar Katy Tomter! Katy graduated with a BA in Alaska Native Studies with a minor in Political Science. Katy says, “Now that I’m graduated, I will be spending more time on the land and learning from my elders while I can. I intend on taking a meaningful break from academia to learn directly from the world around me. When the time is right, I plan on completing my masters in education.” Aarigaa! We are proud of you, Katy! #CalebScholars #EmpoweredAlaskaNativeScholars Read More

Thank you for donating to our end of year fundraiser! We kicked off our campaign on Giving Tuesday with a goal of raising $5,000 to support our program by the end of the year and received a grand total of $6,130 in contributions! When we invest in Alaskan Inuit, we encourage understanding of traditional knowledge and the benefits of sound science as the method for preserving our culture and environment. If you are interested in supporting our program financially, we have an online portal to accept donations: https://www.calebscholars.org/support-calebs-legacy/ Please note, we are a 501c3 program, your donation may be tax deductible. To stay updated on our program be sure to follow us on your favorite platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalebScholars Twitter: Read More

As you gear up for #GivingTuesday this year, please consider making a donation to support the Caleb Scholars Program. We are a 501c3 program, your donation may be tax deductible. Our fundraising goal is $5,000 by the end of this year - enough to fund travel for each of our students to return to their home communities during the school year to engage in advocacy, participate in subsistence activities, and connect with their community as a way to supplement their iñua, spirit, and elevate their experience as they work towards obtaining their educational and professional goals. When we invest in Alaskan Inuit, we encourage understanding of traditional knowledge and the benefits of sound science as the method for preserving our culture and environment. One of Caleb’s goals was to assist Read More

We have pushed our deadline to apply for the Spring 2021 scholarship to December 31, 2020. Please submit your application materials via email to Read More

YOI! Please join me in welcoming our fall 2020 scholarship recipients: Katy Tomter, Alaska Native Studies, University of Alaska Fairbanks Lori Hughes, Rural Development, University of Alaska Fairbanks Cassidy Kramer, Secondary Education and Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks Cheyenne Ticket, Elementary Education, University of Alaska Southeast Allie Ivanoff, Journalism, University of Oregon Emily Pomrenke, Fine Art, University of Alaska Fairbanks Please stay tuned for scholar bios to be updated on our "Current Caleb Scholars" page soon! Congratulations, scholars! We look forward to working with you this semester. Read More

Our Caleb Scholars Steering Committee will meet soon to determine awards and we'll be in touch with students ASAP. Missed this round of applying? We'll be accepting more applications this winter to award scholarships for the spring semester. Until then, let's keep the conversation going and continue building community! Keep an eye on our website for information on scholars and upcoming opportunities. For the latest, you can also follow us on Twitter (@CalebScholars), Instagram (@calebscholars), and Facebook (@CalebScholars). Read More

The Caleb Scholars Program has updated our policies to include Positive Community Citizenship in order to foster a learning and working community in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The Caleb Scholars Program denounces discrimination, violence, and harassment. As a scholarship and mentorship program that focuses on empowering Alaska Native scholars, a highly marginalized and underrepresented population in academia, the Caleb Scholars Program reaffirms its commitment to act in solidarity with those who are targets of violence and inequity. The Caleb Scholars Program prohibits discrimination and/or harassment in any form, including but not limited to, discrimination and/or harassment based on race, color, religion, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, national Read More

The deadline is quickly approaching to apply for our scholarship for the upcoming Fall 2020 semester. In honor of Caleb Pungowiyi's legacy, the Caleb Scholars program supports outstanding Alaska Native students enrolled in tribes in the Norton Sound, Northwest Arctic, and Arctic Slope who are pursuing marine conservation-related education and careers. The Caleb Scholars program is accepting applications through July 31, 2020.  Apply today! Read More

Check out our feed and follow us @calebscholars to keep up with the latest program highlights. Stay tuned for helpful college tips and more in our Instagram Stories. Read More

Denali has been highly involved in the program through the years starting as a scholar, serving on the steering committee and now administering the program. She comes with great insight about the program and is definitely doing her part to fulfill Caleb Pungowiyi’s legacy in this new role. “Uvaŋa Qapvik, my name is Denali Whiting and I am excited to announce my new role as the Caleb Scholars Program Director! I am from Kotzebue, where I grew up with my grandparents and extended family subsisting along the Kotzebue Sound. I have a degree in Alaska Native Studies with a concentration on Cultural Forms of Expression from UAF.  I am grateful to have a dynamic history with the Caleb Scholars program, including being a scholarship recipient from 2012-2015, filling the Steering Committee Read More

We are excited to share that the Caleb Scholars Program video was selected to appear in the After School Special screening at the Anchorage International Film Festival! After School Special featuring Caleb Scholars Program video Wednesday, December 6, 2017 3:45 pm Bear Tooth Theatrepub *want FREE tickets? see below! AIFF is an annual event hosting films from all over the world, spanning myriad genres, from documentaries to shorts to animation to good ol’ movies. Films that are selected reach audiences who work hard on issues impacting Alaska and the Arctic. Our amazing friends at Alaska Teen Media Institute are hosting a screening of short films produced by the talented youth of Alaska. We’re grateful that our short film featuring Caleb Program alumni and an interview with Read More

You’ll notice on our homepage that the purpose of the Program is to “carry on the legacy of Caleb Lumen Pungowiyi by supporting students interested in the areas of marine-related research, policy, and advocacy.” That sentence represents a pretty big spectrum of work! Let’s hone in on these words: research policy advocacy What does it mean to do research, policy, or advocacy in marine conservation? Over our next few posts, we’ll share some stories about our people from the Arctic doing work in each of these areas. This first story we’ll share is about a Caleb Scholar involved in the area of scientific research. PART I: An Internship in SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Caleb Scholar Tonia Osborne, Inupiaq from White Mountain and Nome, interned this summer with the Fish & Wildlife Read More