2025 Discover Alaska lecture series starts June 4

The �Ĳ�ͼ�� will host the Discover Alaska lecture series starting on June 4.

The 2025 series is presented by UAF Summer Sessions and Lifelong Learning in cooperation with UAF’s College of Indigenous Studies.

The free public lectures will be at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at the BP Design Theater, located on the fourth floor of the Usibelli Building on the UAF Troth Yeddha’ Campus. Parking on campus is free after 5 p.m.

The presentations will also be livestreamed on the and made available as videos on the summer sessions website within two weeks of the live event.

This year’s Discover Alaska lineup includes:

June 4 – “The Little Known History of Colonization, Indigenous Land Claims and Sovereignty in Alaska,” Kevin Illingworth, professor of tribal governance
June 11 – “Cultivating Wellness Through Traditional Healing,” Teisha Simmons, CIS interim dean
June 18 – “The Importance of Sharing Knowledge for Alaska Native Elders’ Ability to Age Well,” Jordan Lewis, director of research, Center for One Health Research
June 25 – “Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Crisis: Culture and Self-Governance as a Protective Factor,” Michelle Demmert, professor of tribal governance
July 9 – “When the Muskox Comes to Town: Urban Muskoxen in Nome,” Claudia Ihl, associate professor of biology
July 16 – “The Land Loves You: Honoring Relational Responsibility,” Tia Tidwell, professor of Alaska Native studies
July 23 – “A Changing Landscape: Community Development in Alaska,” Charlene Stern, vice chancellor for rural, community and Native education
July 30 – “Northern Dene Astronomy,” Chris Cannon, associate professor of Indigenous studies
Aug. 6 – “Indigenizing and Decolonizing Research,” Jessica Black, associate vice chancellor for rural, community and Native education
Aug. 13 – “Tribal Response to the Pandemic,” Alisa Alexander, director, Center for One Health Research

For more information, visit the Summer Sessions events page, email summer@alaska.edu or call 907-474-7021.

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