Honoring Indigenous Knowledges

Braiding Indigenous Ways of Knowing

APU recognizes Indigenous Ways of Knowing as vital sciences that offer deep insights into sustainability, community, and the natural world. We integrate these knowledge systems into our academic programs, ensuring students engage with both Indigenous and Western perspectives to create holistic, culturally relevant learning experiences.

Weaving Indigenous Sciences into Academics

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Leading Alaska Native Research Partnerships

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Celebrating Indigenous Culture

Alaska Native University

Shel ch’naq’ahnilu

Means “sharing our experience to help our next generation succeed” in the Dena’ina language.

Our Shel ch’naq’ahnilu Center

A Welcoming Space for Connection and Culture

The Shel ch’naq’ahnilu Student Center is the heart of our campus, serving as a vibrant gathering place for students and visitors alike. Designed to be both welcoming and culturally affirming, this cozy space offers students the opportunity to connect with their heritage, celebrate their culture, and build meaningful relationships. Whether coming together to learn, share experiences, or simply enjoy a sense of community, the center fosters a strong sense of belonging for all who enter.

Indigenous Connections

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    Learn More About Our Indigenous Programs

    Alaska Native Governance Indigenous Studies Minor NUNA Center ANELP
    • Speeches, dances, drum circles, great people and tasty food, all part of the 2019 Indigenous Peoples' Day at the Moseley Sports Complex on the campus of Alaska Pacific University.
    • Speeches, dances, drum circles, great people and tasty food, all part of the 2019 Indigenous Peoples' Day at the Moseley Sports Complex on the campus of Alaska Pacific University.
    • man fishing with a net in the river
    • Alaska Native dancers performing
    • Alumni and Native Dancers mingle during the first Alumni Mixer in the Leah J Peterson gallery on the campus of APU.
    • ANELP graduates holding diplomas
    • man standing by person dressed as Molly of Denali
    • kids wearing Alaska Native outfits, singing
    • Alaska Native dancers performing
    • Alaska Native elders talking
    • Alaska Native students at graduation posing with their professor
    • Student presenting their Senior Project
    • Elder Tea
    • 24 NNA CO Annual Meeting
    • A group of people working together at a table covered with papers, colored markers, and water bottles, with an orange wall and a window in the background.
    • Three people posing together at a graduation event, wearing traditional and colorful clothing, with other graduates in blue gowns in the background.