07/07/2026
The University of Alaska Southeast and Goldbelt Heritage Foundation signed a memorandum of agreement to develop UAS curriculum on Indigenous health and healing. Elders, cultural specialists and Indigenous faculty and behavioral health faculty will jointly develop and instruct place-based, for-credit coursework that centers Indigenous Knowledge, values, and approaches to wellness.
Apply for the fall semester by August 1.
Explore programs and register at uas.alaska.edu
UAS, Goldbelt Heritage Launch Indigenous Health and Healing Learning Pathway
The University of Alaska Southeast and Goldbelt Heritage Foundation have signed a memorandum of agreement to develop coursework focused on Indigenous health and healing.
The agreement outlines a plan to deliver culturally grounded, for-credit learning opportunities at UAS that reflect Indigenous Knowledge, values and approaches to wellness.
Elders, cultural specialists and Indigenous faculty will guide curriculum development and instruction. They will work with faculty from the behavioral health program to create place-based courses that can grow into additional academic pathways, including an occupational endorsement or certificate.
“This is a critical opportunity to center Indigenous Science Concepts in health and wellness, honoring relationality, place, and cultural responsibility,” said Wendy K’ah Skáahluwaa Todd, Ph.D. “Moving beyond the limits of Western medicine, it offers a meaningful path toward the development of truly culturally appropriate care grounded in Indigenous values, knowledges, and lived realities.”
Courses will be offered through the Integrative Behavioral Health program and will be open to all students, including dual-enrolled high school students. The pathway is designed to support career opportunities for Alaska Native youth and expand access to training grounded in Traditional Knowledge Systems and Indigenous Sciences.
“Goldbelt Heritage Foundation is committed to creating pathways for Alaska Native youth to enter healthcare professions while remaining grounded in Indigenous knowledge, language, and values,” said Neilg̱áa Koogéi Taija Revels, executive director of Goldbelt Heritage Foundation. “We are excited to partner with UAS and collaborate with their incredible staff, faculty, Elders, culture bearers, and community leaders to build learning experiences that strengthen culturally responsive care and support future generations of healthcare professionals"
Beginning in spring 2027, new courses will explore Indigenous understandings of health and wellness through relationships with land, community, ancestors, and cultural practices. “This learning pathway is an invitation to broaden our understanding of health and healing,” ssaid Sarah Niecko, DHSc, assistant professor of behavioral health and faculty lead for carrying out the agreement. “By lifting up Indigenous voices, traditions, and ways of knowing, we hope to prepare students to serve communities respectfully and effectively.”
Read the full press release at https://loom.ly/RJro6A8
Apply for the fall semester by August 1.
Explore programs and register at uas.alaska.edu.
