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Alexis Rexford
Your name and where you are from.
Whanga Alexis Rexford, atepika Aqavzik. Sivuqaqghhmiimunga. I am Alexis Rexford, my Akuzipik (Siberian Yupik) name is Aqavzik, which translates to cloudberry. I come from Sivuqaq, or what is present day known as the village of Gambell located on St. Lawerence Island.
Tell us about yourself.
I am the daughter of Delbert Rexford of Utqiagvik and the late Darlene Apangalook of Sivuqaq. My first homelands were Utqiagvik until my mom moved my older brother and I to Anchorage, where I was raised for the first 10 years of my life before moving to Gambell. In 2017, while attending the high school named after our great grandfather, I unexpectedly lost my mom to cancer. To finish my education, I made the decision to attend Mt. Edgecumbe, the boarding school my grandparents met at. After graduating in 2019, I attended the RAHI Research Program where I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge of contaminant research in marine food systems.
I attended Alaska Pacific University for a year until the pandemic hit and I took a few years off; which allowed me to get involved with movement work for environmental and climate justice in Alaska. I drove up from Anchorage to return back to school in the Fall of 2022 and have been doing dry cabin life with my dog since! I'm now a third year student in the Rural Development program and work part time as development intern with Kawerak Reindeer Herders' Association (RHA).
What doors has UAF opened for you?
UAF has given me the opportunity for cross cultural learning as we are on Dené lands; with Fairbanks having a rich history of Alaska Natives and a diverse population. UAF has also allowed me to challenge myself in mentorship through working as a Tutor-Counselor for RAHI 2023 and a youth programmer for the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium (WINHEC) meeting in 2023. Through this conference, I met someone that would later connect me with my now supervisor at RHA.
What internships have you done?
Since October 2023, I have worked part time as the development intern with Kawerak Reindeer Herders' Association. I have also been a Northern Visions Fellow at Arctic Encounter and most recently, I became a 2025-2026 Arctic Youth Ambassador.
What extra curricular activities are you involved with and why are they important to you?
Most recently, I showed up for the kickoff of Native Student Union because I care about building community and exercising our people power as Indigenous Peoples. I also joined intramural basketball and intend to get involved with Native Games Club this semester to strengthen my body, mind and spirit while also connecting with my peers. I have learned that is important to take good care of yourself so you can show up for your community!
What has motivated you at UAF?
Knowing that my mom and those that have come before have blazed the trail for us in higher education motivates me to continue on this path. Also, I find the energy and passion of other young Natives and our teachers super inspiring!
What are some of the challenges you've faced as a student at UAF and how have you overcome them?
As a nontraditional student, it has been challenging to feel connected to the UAF community as I live off campus and most of my courses are solely online. I have especially felt isolated during the dark months but have found solace in gathering with loved ones especially to eat Native food. Also, it has been a challenge to find a work life balance as everything is interconnected and I care so much about my work. I am still learned how to set boundaries for work so most recently, time-blocking my GCal has been super helpful in structuring my days!
Do you have any advice for your fellow students?
Don't be afraid to attend that event or reach out for help when you need. Nobody does it alone, go to RSS Village and eat soup! College is a time for exploring your interests and passions! Social anxiety is real but pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to connect with people is essential to find community! Stay authentic in who you are so you can represent the people and place you come from in a good way!
Anything else you'd like to share?
Igamsiqanaghhaalek UAF for having me and RSS for all the support!
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