The overarching objective of the conference is to serve as an uplifting, welcoming space for participants to explore learning about and contributing to academic and professional discourses essential to the generation of knowledge and the progress of Native arts, culture and languages. As one among a growing constellation of SHI activities focused on perpetuating and enhancing Southeast Alaska cultures, the conference aims to foster an animated conversation among diverse participants about “integration of Indigenous culture, values and knowledge into public policy, institutions and programs serving Alaska Natives to sustain the cultural vitality of current and future generations.” In line with this vision, we strive to share learning about how to participate in relevant discourses in the light of the Southeast traditional core cultural values, explicate the principles of culturally responsive education and demonstrate their applicability to the issues facing our communities, develop an outward-looking culture and actively contribute to collaborative learning processes with institutions, educators, partners and community members.
