Fall Student Leadership Conference

Our Fall Student Leadership Conference Oct. 16-18 coincided with the two other major regional conferences, the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Convention and the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society Regional Conference (NAFWS). Students shared with the NAFWS audience how drone technology could be useful in estimating fish populations. In addition, the students presented their current projects mapping coastal erosion and the Anan Wildlife Obsverproject. At the AFN Conference, students listened to special presentations from leaders who spoke about courage, leadership, and supporting the community. In addition, they attended a session on “Brain Drain” and learned how important it is to bring their knowledge back to their communities and ways to potentially reduce the problem.

Students had a special time with several community Elders at the Anchorage Museum SEED lab and learn from their wisdom and guidance. Irene Sherry shared a movie trailer that she produced about Old Minto. They learned about what it was like to grow up in Minto as Eliza Winfrey retold her childhood stories. Ethan Schutt and Dr. Ana Frank answered student questions and listened as students shared about themselves and their communities.

The group traveled to Seward for a tour of the Alaska Vocational Technical College Marine program. This was a fantastic opportunity to explore careers and learn about maritime training. A highlight of the trip was using the simulators to imitate jobs needed – from communication and steering to navigation and operations – to command a marine vessel. In addition to AVTEC, the students visited the Alaska Sealife Center where they learned about seabirds and how the Sealife Center responds to animals in need.

The two days were packed full of experiences that the students will bring forward in their futures. From campus tours to new careers, thinking about how college can set them on the right path to success while staying connected to their communities and cultures.