ilLUMENate BLOG

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