Iḷisaġvik is pleased to share that the College and its Board of Trustees signed proclamations celebrating four North Slope partners in September 2026, recognizing the contributions of these entities to education, cultural perpetuation, workforce development, and the College’s future. These proclamations are in celebration of the College’s 30th anniversary (1996-2026); this year has been a time to reflect and delight in student success and Tribal self-determination in education. Iḷisaġvik is proud to recognize the North Slope Borough (NSB), Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC), Iñupiat Community of the Arctic Slope (ICAS), and Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) through proclamations of appreciation honoring their contributions to the College and the communities it serves.

Read the full Press Release on our website:

And guess what, there is another press release! Iḷisaġvik College is pleased to announce the approval of its new Unangax̂ Studies Program. The program offers a 15-credit Certificate I, developed in partnership with the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island Tribal Government (ACSPI). The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) approved the certificate effective September 8, 2026, officially including the program under the College’s accreditation.



Read the full Press Release for more exciting news on our website:

We were honored to participate in this year’s First Alaskans Institute, Elders and Youth Conference from October 18-21 at the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage.

On Monday our Recruitment and Outreach team led the Lunch & Learn Workshop to talk about our various programs, courses, and highlight our Iñupiaq values and traditions at Iḷisaġvik College – Alaska’s Only Tribal College

Our first workshop, Iñupiaq Values in Action: Role Play and Reflection allowed Elders and youth to come together and create skits of our Iñupiaq values while participants around the room guessed the answer, followed by reflection.

Also during the conference, the North Slope Elders & Youth Council held a regional meeting and came together to empower representatives in their communities, connecting, and share insights with each other.

Tuesday, we held a very busy and successful seal oil lamp workshop. We were so thrilled to be at this conference again this year and get to meet so many wonderful elders and youth!

We had a great time celebrating Indigenous People’s Day! Led by our student intern, Annie Saganna at the Dr. Albert Conference Hall, IC staff, faculty, and students were invited to share a bit of their culture with us all. We got to hear stories tied to Utqiaġvik, Thailand, Ukraine, Hawaii, Samoa, South Korea, Cuba, Philippines. Tonga, and Mexico.

Utuqqanaat Uqaluktuaqtut – Life Experiences of the Elders

On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Iḷisaġvik College came together with our Utuqqanaat (Elders) to honor the Survivors of the boarding school system, along with their families and communities.

We began by watching Rachel Naŋinaaq Edwardson’s documentary, History of the Iñupiat: Nipaa Ilitqusipta – The Voice of Our Spirit. We then gathered for Utuqqanaat Uqaluktuaqtut – Life Experiences of the Elders. Our Utuqqanaat shared their stories, experiences, and wisdom while we listened, reflected, and learned. Together, we took time to deepen our understanding of the lasting impacts of the boarding school system.

Through reflection, learning, and the knowledge they shared with us, we reaffirmed our commitment to truth, healing, and reconciliation. We carry their stories forward with honor and respect, and we stand together in strength for generations to come.

Quyanaqpak to Molly Kakianaaq Pederson, Edith Sirroun Nageak, Martha Ikayuaq Stackhouse, and Louisa Kakianaaq Riley for sharing their stories with such courage and generosity, to Naŋinaaq for her powerful work, and to everyone who joined us.

It has been a jam packed fall in Iñupiaq Studies including several fantastic workshops with Nikki from Sew Yup'ik. She quickly filled up several classes featuring seal skin cross bag sewing and vest making. Quyanaqpak Nikki and everyone who participated in these wonderful workshops!

Our 5th Annual Staff & Alumni Giving Campaign started!

For five years, our employees and alumni have come together to invest in student success and the future of Iḷisaġvik College. This year, our goal is to raise $8,000 by December 31.

Every gift makes a difference, and every donor is entered into prize drawings throughout the campaign, including a MacBook grand prize!

Join us in supporting the next generation of students.

https://ilisagvik.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate

Eric brings more than 20 years of experience in Information Technology, working across the defense, public, and nonprofit sectors. He has a real knack for making complex technology simple and for building systems that help people work and learn better together. Before joining Iḷisaġvik last November, Eric led the systems, helpdesk, and network teams at Goodwill of Middle Georgia & the CSRA / Helms College, supporting both educational and retail operations across multiple campuses.

Outside of work, Eric loves exploring the world! He’s the creator of "Blue Moose Traveler", a travel platform that shares fun and authentic experiences from his adventures. Having lived in four countries and visited 59 others, Eric brings a global perspective and a spirit of curiosity that aligns well with the college’s mission of lifelong learning and community engagement.

Quyarugut savaqatigivlutin!

We are grateful to have you as a co-worker!