UAF Department of Alaska Native Studies & Rural Development

UAF Department of Alaska Native Studies & Rural Development Department of Alaska Natives Studies & Rural Development
University of Alaska Fairbanks
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Welcome to the Department of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development (DANSRD). We offer several dynamic degree programs including a Bachelor's of Alaska Native Studies, a Bachelors of Rural Development, and a Master's of Rural Development. All of our degree programs are distance delivered so students never have to leave home to achieve their educational goals. Our mission is to increase cultur

al awareness and strengthen leadership capacity for rural and Indigenous communities in Alaska and the Circumpolar North through degree programs that promote academic excellence, personal development, professional skills, global awareness and respect for Indigenous cultures, and commitment to community. If you are interested in further developing your leadership and management skills and/or in enhancing the quality of life in your community, we invite you to enroll in a class or apply for one of our degree programs.

Gather and celebrate the Class of 2026! 🎉 Join us in-person in the Brooks Building on Troth Yeddha' Campus in Fairbanks,...
04/07/2026

Gather and celebrate the Class of 2026! 🎉 Join us in-person in the Brooks Building on Troth Yeddha' Campus in Fairbanks, or remote via Zoom!

🗓️Friday, May 1
⏰ 6 pm
📍RSS Gathering Room or Remote via Zoom

RSVP for in-person: bit.ly/4skXqVw
Join via Zoom: bit.ly/4tgP4jb

See you there!

Nominations for the 2026 Pathfinder Award close TOMORROW at 5pm! The recipient will receive $500 and will be recognized ...
02/19/2026

Nominations for the 2026 Pathfinder Award close TOMORROW at 5pm!

The recipient will receive $500 and will be recognized on Feb. 27 at the Festival of Native Arts. This award is open to all UAF staff, including our branch campuses. Any UAF staff or student can submit a nomination, though student nominations are especially valued, and multiple nominations strengthen a candidate's chances.

Submit your nomination here: bit.ly/4bMGkv8
Let's celebrate those who help light the path for our students!

Do you know a staff member who exemplifies compassion and dedication to Alaska Native/rural student success? Nominate them for the 2026 Pathfinder Award! 🌟

The recipient will receive $500 and will be recognized on Feb. 27 at the Festival of Native Arts. This award is open to all UAF staff, including our branch campuses. Any UAF staff or student can submit a nomination, though student nominations are especially valued, and multiple nominations strengthen a candidate's chances.

Deadline to nominate: February 19, 2026

Submit your nomination here: bit.ly/4bMGkv8

Let's celebrate those who help light the path for our students!

Rural Student Services

Do you know a staff member who exemplifies compassion and dedication to Alaska Native/rural student success? Nominate th...
02/12/2026

Do you know a staff member who exemplifies compassion and dedication to Alaska Native/rural student success? Nominate them for the 2026 Pathfinder Award! 🌟

The recipient will receive $500 and will be recognized on Feb. 27 at the Festival of Native Arts. This award is open to all UAF staff, including our branch campuses. Any UAF staff or student can submit a nomination, though student nominations are especially valued, and multiple nominations strengthen a candidate's chances.

Deadline to nominate: February 19, 2026

Submit your nomination here: bit.ly/4bMGkv8

Let's celebrate those who help light the path for our students!

Rural Student Services

We were so humbled to see an alumna's name pop up in the New York Times! Kelsey Ciugun Wallace graduated in 2015 with a ...
02/12/2026

We were so humbled to see an alumna's name pop up in the New York Times!

Kelsey Ciugun Wallace graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor's in Rural Development and a minor in Yup'ik. She currently serves as president and chief executive of the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

The NYT recently highlighted her incredible work facilitating the donation of around a ton of wild, traditional foods from around Alaska to feed evacuees of Typhoon Halong. More than 600 displaced Alaskans still live in Anchorage nearly 4 months after the devastating storm, but thanks to the efforts of Kelsey and countless other individuals who have donated their hunted, fished & foraged foods, they are able to keep this vital connection to home.

❤

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/27/dining/typhoon-displaces-alaskan-natives-food-homeland.html

UAF Department of Alaska Native Studies & Rural Development
University of Alaska Fairbanks

After a typhoon destroyed their homes, hundreds of Alaskan Natives find themselves far from their familiar food and landscapes.

Are you interested in the ethics of Generative AI? Concerned about the social, cultural, and intellectual implications o...
01/08/2026

Are you interested in the ethics of Generative AI? Concerned about the social, cultural, and intellectual implications of AI usage?

This class will help you learn to use AI effectively, take charge of your education, and help your community take charge of their own development in the era of artificial intelligence.

Cultural Values & Artificial Intelligence with Jennifer Carroll
ℹ️ RD 240 | CRN: 36168 | 3 credits
⏰ TR 2 - 3:30pm �
📍Remote via Zoom & Canvas

➡️ Ready to take the next step?
Register today!
uaf.edu/reg/

Interested in the socioeconomic, cultural, legal, and political dimensions of subsistence in Alaska? There are still spo...
01/07/2026

Interested in the socioeconomic, cultural, legal, and political dimensions of subsistence in Alaska? There are still spots left in this exciting course taught by Charleen Fisher, PhD, starting next week!

Perspectives on Subsistence in Alaska
ℹ️ RD F265 | CRN: 36474 | 3 credits
⏰ Asynchronous (does not meet)
📍100% Distance via Canvas

Spring semester:
🗓️ January 12 – May 2

Register today, or contact an advisor for help: [email protected] | uaf.edu/reg/

Congratulations new Mellon Fellows!
11/21/2025

Congratulations new Mellon Fellows!

The UAF Graduate School is honored to recognize seven Ph.D. students selected for the Mellon Dissertation Fellowship. These fellows are established UAF Ph.D. students whose work centers Indigenous knowledge in the arts and humanities, builds transdisciplinary connections, and responds to community n...

GROUP PIC of participants at the 2025 UAF Indigenous Leadership Symposium!
11/20/2025

GROUP PIC of participants at the 2025 UAF Indigenous Leadership Symposium!

1 credit asynchronous course (no meeting times). Learn on your own by following a syllabus and working in Canvas.
11/20/2025

1 credit asynchronous course (no meeting times). Learn on your own by following a syllabus and working in Canvas.

11/20/2025
11/07/2025

Natasha Singh CEO of ANTHC presenting at the UAF Indigenous Leadership Symposium.

Address

UAF Campus 315 Brooks Bldg PO Box 756500
Fairbanks, AK
99775

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19074746528

Website

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