Indigenous Leadership Symposium

�ֻ�ֱ�� Native Studies and Rural Development

Interested in Indigenous leadership and community engagement?

Join us for this empowering symposium—open to all.

Save the Dates!

Dates: November 4, 5 & 6

Where: Wendy Williamson Auditorium, UAA in Anchorage, �ֻ�ֱ��

About the Symposium

The Indigenous Leadership Symposium is a three-day event open to the public and students of RD F492/F600. It features presentations by esteemed �ֻ�ֱ�� Native leaders and practitioners from across the Circumpolar North, exploring the diverse paths and principles of Indigenous leadership.

Why Attend?

This 3-day symposium fosters a space for dialogue and learning around Indigenous leadership in cross-cultural and rural contexts. It brings together students, faculty, and community leaders to explore leadership values rooted in tradition, resilience, and innovation.

Guest Speakers

Hear from esteemed speakers including Ernestine Hayes, author of Blonde Indian, Rep. Maxine Dibert, Dr. Michele Yatchmeneff, and more. Full speaker list to come!

Networking Opportunities

Network with students, professionals and culture bearers to make lasting connections.

Tours, Crafts & Conversations

In addition to presentations from our speakers, join us for additional activities during the 3-day symposium, including traditional crafts, self-guided tours, and meaningful conversations with peers.

Earn credits for attending!

Students enrolled in RD F492/F600 earn credits while participating at the symposium.

Meet the Featured Guest Speakers & Performers

Roy Agloinga
First �ֻ�ֱ��ns Institute

Maija Lukin
NANA

Dean Teisha Simmons
UAF College of Indigenous Studies

Michele Yatchmeneff
ANSEP/UAA

Andrea Gusty
Kuskokwim Corporation

Maxine Dibert
�ֻ�ֱ�� State Representative

Ernestine Hayes
UAS Professor Emeritus, Poet and Author

Ilacus Dance Group (Inupiaq)

Holly Wofford
YKSD Language

Holly Nordlum
Naniq Design

Miranda Robb Johansson
YKHC Wellness

Audrey Armstrong
Smithsonian Fish Skin Artist and Elder-in-residence

Vernae Angnaboogok
ICC

Dehrich Chya
Alutiiq Museum

Natasha Singh
ANTHC

Agenda for day 1 of symposium

Download full agenda

For Students of RD F492/F600

Students enrolled in RD F492 and RD F600 are immersed in leadership topics that blend academic study with lived experience. The symposium plays a key role in building a dynamic, inclusive learning community that bridges generations and geographies.

Explore Indigenous leadership through real-world examples.
Connect with experienced leaders from �ֻ�ֱ�� and beyond.
Build foundational skills for leadership, research, and professional development.
Learn through dialogue, mentorship, and collaborative discussion.

Sponsor This Event:

Benefits of Sponsorship:
Corporate sponsors can gain opportunities to market their brand, reach new customers, and improve public perception. Through business sponsorships you can help provide attendees with a unique experience that fosters trust and credibility. Sponsors’ logos will be placed on the digital program and other digital marketing materials such as name tags. Sponsorships are negotiable.

Sponsorship opportunities:
• Lunch sponsorship (pay for catering for conference attendees) $4,000 per day (3 available).
• Venue sponsorship (pay for the auditorium rental) $8,500 total, or one day ($2,833).

By promoting your involvement in an event, your organization can drive traffic from the event to increase your engagement. A great way to do this is by creating content themes or hashtags. Additionally, you can connect with the host on social media. You may be able to grow your company’s positive reputation - when a company sponsors events, people often assume that it is reputable and reliable.