Indigenous Education in Alaska: a Historical Overview – Live webinar series

This is a two-part live webinar series led by James LaBelle, Sr. titled “Indigenous Education in Alaska: a Historical Overview,” with Alaska History Day and the Alaska Humanities Forum. These sessions will explore the history and cultural context of Indigenous education in Alaska. 

Geared for Alaska educators, attendees will learn about this history and gain context and tools for teaching about this part of Alaska’s history.

Session 1 (Tuesday) will focus on learning and education prior to European contact. Session 2 (Thursday) will address the changes and impacts on Indigenous education and communities as a result of contact and colonization, including the introduction of boarding schools and religious institutions. 

  • Part 1: Tuesday, September 24, 4 p.m.- 5p.m. Alaska time (via Zoom)
  • Part 2: Thursday, September 26, 4 p.m.- 5p.m. Alaska time (via Zoom)

The week before the series, Zoom meeting invitations will be sent to the email address you provide below.

Photo Courtesy Jim LaBelle

Mr. LaBelle (Inupiaq) is a boarding school survivor. He has taught in UAA’s College of Arts & Sciences Alaska Native Studies program and the College of Business and Public Policy; the UAF Department of Alaska Native and Rural Development; and the Alaska Pacific University Native Leadership program. He has served on the board of the National Native Boarding School Healing Coalition. (Source: NABS website)

This series has been made possible by a subgrant to Alaska History Day from the National Endowment for the Humanities via the Alaska Humanities Forum, who is hosting these sessions. Alaska History Day is sponsored by the Alaska Historical Society and is the state affiliate program for National History Day®.