Celebrating Alaska Native and Native American Heritage Month

As we celebrate Alaska Native and Native American Heritage Month, our community honors the rich traditions, history, and resilience of Alaska Native people. This month provides an opportunity to highlight the voices and stories of Alaska Native students who carry their heritage forward by merging traditional practices with new skills to support and strengthen their communities.

One such student is Renae Egrass, a talented artist and emerging marine services technology specialist. Coming from the remote community of McGrath, Renae grew up surrounded by rural Alaska's natural beauty and challenges. She recently joined our marine services technology program and is motivated to acquire technical skills to benefit her community's hunting, subsistence lifestyle, and small-scale marine operations. Renae envisions returning home equipped with the knowledge to improve safety and efficiency in local marine practices, essential to her people's way of life.

Beyond her studies, Renae is known for her beautiful handcrafted art, which she created using materials from the land around her village. She crafts jewelry, baskets, and other items, incorporating intricate patterns and natural elements. Renae dyes furs using a technique passed down through generations. Each piece she creates tells a story of connection to her heritage and homeland. Her art reflects a deep love for Alaska's wild places and a dedication to preserving her culture in an evolving world.

Renae's journey reminds us that Alaska Native Heritage Month is about recognizing the vibrant contributions of Alaska Native people today. Students like her embody the harmony between tradition and innovation, demonstrating how education and cultural preservation can unite to shape a thriving future for Alaska's Indigenous communities.