Ida'ina K'eljeshna

09/02/2026

Shout for ones doing the work. Let them know they're leading the change we've prayed for.

Shoutout to all the moms and dads doing everything they can to provide for their kids. ❤️🙏🏽

09/02/2026

Alissa Pili’s path from Anchorage to the WNBA has opened a historic door for Alaska Native representation in professional basketball.

Born in Anchorage and of Iñupiaq and Samoan descent, Pili became the first Alaska Native woman to be drafted into and play in the WNBA. Her career has also brought visibility to Indigenous and Pacific Islander athletes at one of the highest levels of women’s basketball.

Before the national spotlight, Pili was one of Alaska’s most decorated high school athletes. At Dimond High School, she won 13 Alaska state championships across basketball, volleyball, track and wrestling, and finished her high school basketball career with 2,614 points.

She went on to play at USC, where she earned Pac-12 Freshman of the Year honors, before transferring to Utah. With the Utes, Pili became the 2023 Pac-12 Player of the Year and earned All-America recognition in consecutive seasons.

In 2024, the Minnesota Lynx selected Pili with the No. 8 overall pick in the WNBA Draft. During her rookie season, she delivered a standout performance against Phoenix, scoring 20 points in just 15 minutes while shooting 7-of-9 from the field and 4-of-4 from three-point range.

Pili later joined the Los Angeles Sparks and returned to the organization on a player development contract during the 2026 season. The Sparks released her from that contract on August 29 as part of a roster move, making her a free agent.

Whatever comes next, Pili’s journey already holds an important place in Alaska Native sports history, from her years as a multisport standout in Anchorage to carrying her Iñupiaq and Samoan heritage onto the WNBA stage.

What does seeing Indigenous athletes like Alissa Pili represented at the highest levels of professional sports mean to you?



Sources: Los Angeles Sparks; WNBA; Alaska Sports Hall of Fame; MaxPreps;

09/01/2026

He is an Alaska Native

Seattle Seahawks have added DL Brandon Pili to their initial 53-man roster. Pili is a member of the Ukpeagvik Iñupiat.

08/31/2026

I’m down for whatever. 😂 🦬

08/31/2026

All of our degree plans include Iñupiaq Studies content, or you can pursue and Associate of Arts Degree in Iñupiaq Studies or a Certificate in Iñupiaq Language and Culture. Find out more about our Iñupiaq Studies offerings in the Course Catalog.

08/31/2026

08/31/2026