Celebrating Our 2012 Graduates

We celebrated 61 graduates at the Doyon Foundation 2012 Graduation Reception held Thursday, May 10. Among our 2012 graduates were 48 college graduates, 13 high school graduates and even one Head Start graduate! Visit our Facebook page to see photos from the event.

More than 50 students and supporters attended the event, which was held at our building in Fairbanks. Attendees heard an inspiring keynote speech from Maurine Isaacson, a University of Alaska Fairbanks student who graduated with a bachelor’s of business administration, and who is also the Foundation’s new scholarship program manager! You can view a transcript of Maurine’s speech on our website.

We also heard a motivational message from our alumna speaker Sarah Obed, currently serving as Doyon, Limited’s government relations director. Sarah’s speech is available on our website, as well.

Geri Simon, Doyon Limited’s senior vice president of administration, and Charlene Ostbloom, Doyon’s human resources training and development manager, also spoke before we recognized our 60+ graduates, and heard introductions from several in attendance. Following the presentation, attendees enjoyed some light refreshments.

If you’re graduating from high school, college or a vocational program this year, it’s not too late to complete our short 2012 graduate questionnaire at http://fs8.formsite.com/doyonfoundation/form9/index.html. Respondents will be featured in a special graduate edition of the Doyon Foundation e-newsletter. (Check out last year’s edition here on our website!) We’ve extended the deadline to this Friday, May 18.

 

Doyon Foundation Student Profile: Felisha Cooper

Felisha Cooper already has one degree and will complete her second this month – all without ever stepping foot in a classroom. Felisha, a Doyon Foundation scholarship recipient, was able to do this through the University of Phoenix Online.

“I chose to do my higher education completely online because I wanted to be able to work full time, and still have a flexible schedule. The major benefit from doing it online was being able to get it done quickly and at my own pace,” she said.

Felisha, who is originally from Galena and now lives in North Pole, will be complete with the coursework for her second degree – a bachelor’s in business administration – on April 30 and graduation is planned for late June in Arizona. She obtained an associate’s degree in business two years ago.

But don’t expect her to stop there. Felisha, who works as a program assistant with the Fairbanks Alcohol Safety Action Program at Fairbanks Native Association, already has plans to work on a degree in criminal justice.

“My goal for the future is to learn as much as possible, even if that means to obtain one or two more degrees,” she said.

Although she’s eager to continue her education, it hasn’t always been an easy journey. Felisha says the biggest challenge was not having instructors or counselors she could talk to in person.

“It was all through e-mail, and a few phone calls. This has definitely been the hardest part, because there were times where I really needed help, but I would not get a response for another day or two,” she said.

“The advice I would give to other students regarding furthering their education online is to be prepared not to have someone that you can actually meet with for questions.”

The other challenge she faced was finances.

“I have come to realize that furthering your education can be very expensive, and with the help of the Doyon Foundation, it has definitely made a difference. When I go for my next degree, I hope to have the support of the Doyon Foundation again,” said Felisha, who is the daughter of Richard Esmailka and Christine Cooper, and the granddaughter of the late Edgar “Sam Billy” Esmailka, the late Wilhelmina Yaska, Paddy Yaska, Claude Cooper and Jean Keogh.

 

Doyon Foundation Student Profile: Sarah Walker

Doyon Foundation scholarship recipient Sarah Walker is a first-generation, low-income college student – but neither of those facts have kept her from pursuing her goals.

“I try not to look at things as challenges, just things that I have to work on or get done,” she shared.

Sarah is in her second year at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), where she is double majoring in Alaska Native studies and rural development with a Yup’ik minor.

It’s a place she’s worked very hard to get to. After she got her acceptance letters and chose UAF, Sarah spent the entire summer mowing lawns, gardening and tree trimming, washing cars and picking up trash to make money. In the fall, a friend lent her money to pay for unexpected school fees and Sarah got a job, working at night after long days at school to pay the friend back and to help out with her family’s expenses.

Sarah worked as an intern in Doyon, Limited’s communications department in summer 2011 and is currently working for the Department of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development as the student coordinator for the Festival of Native Arts. She was recently recognized with the fall 2011 UAF Exceptional Student Employee Award.

In addition to her personal hard work, several organizations, including Doyon Foundation, have helped Sarah financially.

“The support I receive from Doyon Foundation is great! If it wasn’t for the Foundation, I don’t believe I would have been able to attend college. I greatly appreciate the financial support and the student dinners that are put on, too,” she said.

On top of a very busy school and work schedule, Sarah manages to find time to serve as president of two student organizations, Native Alaskan Business Leaders and Festival of Native Arts, as well as participate in numerous cultural and academic student groups.

Learning about and celebrating her Alaska Native culture is very important to Sarah, who is Yup’ik and Inupiaq. It’s one of the reasons she chose to move from her home state of Washington to attend UAF.

“I returned because I love Alaska and how rich all the Native cultures are up here,” she said.

After graduating, which she expects to do in summer 2014, Sarah hopes to attend graduate school and law school, where her main concentration will be on the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

“Never stop learning and never let anything get you down; we’ll all reach our goals someday,” advises this hard-working, inspirational student, who is the daughter of Terry and Doretha Walker, granddaughter of Franklin and Lena (Crane) Amouak, and great-granddaughter of Oliver and Olga (Waska-Mike) Amouak.

 

Natives For Positive Change (NFPC) Meeting Tomorrow, Tues. 29th

NFPC will hold a meeting & open mic night on Tuesday November 29th at 6 P.M. at the Rural Student Services Gathering Room @ UAF (Brooks Building Main Floor). See below flyer for details.

Open mic night nov 29.pdf

 

Recognizing Native American Youth Leaders

Native American Youth Challenge

http://www.whitehouse.gov/nativeamericans/take-native-american-youth-challenge

President Obama has challenged all to help win the future by out-educating, out-innovating, and out-building our competitors in the 21st century.

Are you doing extraordinary things to make a difference for your tribe, village or community? Take the Native American Youth Challenge. We want to hear your stories and a group of exceptional Native youth community leaders will be invited to the White House this fall in conjunction with the activities of Native American heritage month. We will also consider your stories of leadership and service as we feature individuals on the White House website. Tell us your story – everyone has a story to tell and a part to play.

Requirements:

• You must be aged 13-25
• Maximum of 250 words
• All submissions must be received by September 30, 2011
• Submissions may be about yourself or another leader in your community, however all submissions must be written by people age 25 or younger
• Any individuals invited to the White House will be responsible for obtaining their own travel and lodging

Your submissions should include a description of the leadership or community activity, the number of people involved or impacted, key examples of success, and barriers or challenges for the leadership efforts and how they were overcome.

 

Doyon Foundation Student Profile: Tiana Woods

Tiana Woods, a 2011 graduate of Effie Kokrine Charter School, has big plans for her future and a good idea of how she is going to get there.

“I am dedicated to building a successful future for myself by focusing on all the logistical steps to make my goals attainable,” said Tiana, who is from Fairbanks, Alaska.

Ultimately, Tiana wants to become a pediatrician, first serving in the Peace Corps and then returning to practice medicine in her home state. She plans to attend the University of Alaska and work toward a pre-medical undergraduate degree in science, with a minor in art. She’s also interested in participating in the WWAMI medical school program and then pursuing her doctorate overseas through a study abroad program.

Tiana has already gotten a taste of college by taking classes at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) through her school’s early college program. She said she is grateful to Doyon Foundation for the funding she received to pay for her classes, as well as for the essay-writing and scholarship workshops the Foundation has offered.

“I am thankful for the opportunities they have provided to help me navigate my future,” she said.

Tiana is active and involved in her school and community, participating in activities such as Upward Bound, Rural Alaskans Honors Institute, FNA JOM potlatch dance group, Native Youth Olympics, Student 2 Student, Key Club, Youth Multi-Cultural Awareness, Future Educators of Alaska and others – all while maintaining her honor roll standing. She said that cultural activities have also played an important role in her life. Most recently, Tiana joined the Athabascan dance group at UAF “as one of the ways to balance culture while pursuing my academic goals.”

“My balance of school, cultural and community service activities has helped form me into a well-rounded person,” she said.

One of the biggest challenges Tiana said she has faced during her high school career has been finding cultural balance as a Native student in an urban environment. “To overcome this challenge I have actively sought opportunities to practice culture and challenge myself academically. By grounding myself culturally, I have developed a strong foundation to pursue my goals,” she said.

Tiana counsels other students to “Live life by your own definition of success and don’t believe people when they say you aren’t capable of accomplishing your goals. Always push yourself to your full potential. I would also suggest developing your own set of standards so you are not susceptible to giving into others’ standards that don’t reflect your values or goals. I have also found that smiling and keeping a good sense of humor helps you to address success and hardship in the best possible way.”

Tiana is the daughter of Phyllis Attla from Huslia and Jerry Woods from Manley Hot Springs, Rampart and Tanana. She is the granddaughter of Shirley Vent from Hughes and George Attla from Huslia, and Judy Woods from Tanana and the late Walter Woods from Rampart.

 

2011 Graduates Celebrated at Reception

A total of 85 Doyon Foundation students graduated from college, a vocational program or high school this spring. Foundation staff, board members, alumni, students and special guests gathered to celebrate their accomplishments at a graduation reception held on May 12 in Fairbanks. See the graduation reception album on Facebook for photos from the event.

The reception opened with a welcome by Doris Miller, the Foundation’s executive director, who shared highlights from the Foundation’s past year. Audience members also heard comments from alumni speaker Joy Huntington, graduate speaker Jessie Bergman-David, and Robin Renfroe, vice president of human resources and shareholder relations at Doyon, Limited. The reception concluded with recognition of the 2011 graduates and introductions by the 11 graduates in attendance.

Several graduates expressed their heartfelt gratitude with Doyon Foundation donors.

“Thank you for making it possible for me to get my degree in applied business. Class of 2011 rocks!” said graduate Violet Huntington.

“Your contributions helped me achieve my goals. Thank you!” said Geoffrey Bacon, who received a bachelor’s of arts in industrial and labor relations at Cornell University.

This year, Doyon Foundation staff also assisted with the distribution of red sashes to University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates. The sashes, made by the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Alaska Native Education, signify graduating Alaska Native and Native American students, and celebrate both their academic accomplishments and heritage.

For more information on the 2011 graduates, watch for the special graduate edition of the Doyon Foundation e-newsletter, which will be distributed later this month.

 

AFN Launches 2011 Alaska Marketplace Competition

AFN Launches 2011 Alaska Marketplace Competition
All-new essay component invites writers to share innovative ideas
AFN launches its fifth Alaska Marketplace Competition today, calling on Alaska’s best and brightest to share their innovative ideas by August 1, 2011. This year’s competition includes a groundbreaking essay component, which invites Alaska’s great writers to share their thoughts on helping rural Alaska thrive. The well-loved business/nonprofit ideas competition will also continue as it has in recent years. Applications are available online at http://www.alaskamarketplace.org or by calling AFN at 907-274-3611.
“The winners of our first four Alaska Marketplace Competitions have had a genuine impact across Alaska – creating jobs and building village economies,” said AFN President Julie Kitka. “What we really love about this competition is that it helps folks who might not otherwise have access to funding and publicity pursue their dreams.”
The Alaska Marketplace Competition is an AFN initiative launched in 2005 to foster economic development in rural Alaska by soliciting creative ideas from entrepreneurs across the state in an ‘innovation competition.’ The past four successful competitions have distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars in seed money and have helped spur real economic growth in Alaska’s rural communities. Past winners range from archeological digs to village farms and producers of high-end botanical beauty products.
The 2011 Alaska Marketplace Competition allows applicants to submit either an essay or a business/nonprofit proposal under the competition theme Planting Seeds of Change. Following the application deadline of August 1, a diverse panel of assessors will formally evaluate the business/nonprofit proposals and essays. Finalists will be notified in mid-August, and business/nonprofit finalists will be asked to submit implementation plans and presentations for the final event. Fixed essay awards and cash investments will be awarded to the top proposals following the “Marketplace Event” which will take place during the AFN Convention in Anchorage in October 2011.
The Alaska Marketplace is an initiative of the Alaska Federation of Natives and is supported by a growing list of partners including the Denali Commission, BP, ConocoPhillips Alaska, and the Mitsubishi Foundation.
Visit www.alaskamarketplace.org to learn more.

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Intl Indigenous Women’s Forum Essay Contest on Women & Climate Change

INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS WOMEN’S FORUM FORO INTERNACIONAL DE MUJERES INDÍGENAS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~IIWF Newsletter April, 2011 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In this issue Call for papers: Essay contest , Women and climate change

Deadline: 1st of June Send in essays to :  greens.essaycontestSee conditions below www.greens-efa.eu Women empowerment and women’s role Women are change agents on both household and community levels with regard to natural resource management. Women are long-time leaders on poverty eradication and sustainability, and gender equality is a key issue in the climate change debate. If we do not implement gender-sensitive policies to fight climate change, it will have disastrous consequences on the gender balance. On the other hand, if we include and empower women, who are often responsible for agriculture, food and water supply, as well as first education of the next generation, we will do a better job in addressing climate change and its consequences. Mainstreaming the gender perspective is not only a sensible choice for our societies; it is a better, more efficient way to reach our goals. Because this subject is at the very core of our preoccupations as members of the Green Party, we need to have better information and understanding on this subject, and answer these questions: How can we counteract the disproportionate burden of climate change on women? How to empower women so that they become a key partner in reducing climate change? How can gender equality be fully integrated into climate policies? We encourage everyone to send us a paper with ideas and propositions on these issues. TERMS OF PARTICIPATION By taking part in the contest, participants agree on the terms of participation. How and when to hand in my paper? All papers have to be sent per e-mail to Greens.essaycontest before 1 June 2011, midnight. Papers sent after the deadline will not be accepted. Who can apply? Everyone. Do I have to be a European citizen? No, contributions from around the world are welcome. About languages Papers can be written in one of the four following languages: English, French, German and Spanish. What kind of paper? Papers should have the written form of an essay. How long should the paper be? Papers should be between 20.000 and 28.000 characters (with spaces) long. Call for papers – Essay contest ‘Women and climate change’ 01/03/2011 2 How should it be presented? Papers should be typed. No handwritten paper will be accepted. What will happen next? A jury made up of Green Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the European Green Party, the Federation of Young European Greens, the Heinrich Böll Foundation, the European Green Foundation, EGGO (European Green Gender Observatory) and NGOs will select the best essays. Depending on the number of papers submitted, a pre-jury might do a pre-selection for the final jury. What is the prize for the winner? First of all, the best three essay writers will be invited to the Green Summer University in Frankfurt (Oder) and Slubice (1). This invitation includes transportation costs, hotel room for three nights and meals for the four days. The best essays will also be published in their original language and English, with a preface from Members of the Parliament and members of the jury. This book will be printed out and distributed during the University (to be confirmed depending on printing delays). The winners will get 10 copies each. An event will be organised for the winners to read their essays to a selected audience, followed by a private dinner with members of the jury. Source: Essay contest – Women and climate change Download document

Quick Links…~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Our Website More About Us Contact Information~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Contact us for more information 121 W. 27th Street, #301; New York, NY 10001 (212) 627-0444; fimi ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Miss FNA Kayli Hildebrand steps out of her comfort zone

The following article is reprinted courtesy of the Gana-A’Yoo, Limited newsletter. To view the full newsletter, visit www.ganaayoo.com/images/GYL%20newsletter%20May%202011.pdf . Article submitted by Kayli Hildebrand.

Photo courtesy of Emma Hildebrand

I was raised in Northway by my parents Bernard and Emma Hildebrand.  Northway is a small village of less than 300 people, where I lived until I graduated from High School.  My dad is originally from Nulato and my mother’s relatives are from McGrath and Anchorage.  I enjoyed learning about our Athabascan culture by attending potlatches and through Native singing & dancing. I took a Native language class growing up and enjoyed being around our elders and adults who spoke it.

Northway will always be my home.  Growing up there was some challenges and I realizing not many people from home attended college or moved away. I decided early on that I was not going to stay in the village; I wanted to make a difference in life and to show my parents that I can succeed. I received a full scholarship for being at the top of my class and I now attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

My first day of college was very scary.  I didn’t know anyone at all, but as days and weeks went by, I saw people I knew and I also met new friends.  I chose UAF to get a degree in mechanical engineering.  Why, you ask? Because my dad works for Alyeska Pipeline and I see that he makes a good living and I too want to be successful.  I also would like to have a great job that will allow me to care for my family when I am older, just as my dad did. I may not be the best at math or English, but I know I will do my best in college to show my parents I can succeed in life.

Growing up, I have done many extracurricular activities including basketball, where we made it to state twice and I was also a big sister volunteer.  I have held many jobs to stay busy growing up including a grocery store clerk, babysitting and working at Fast Eddy’s in Tok.  I now work at the Interior-Aleutians Campus as a facilitator. This job allows me to work regularly with college students.  It is a great working experience.  When I complete college, I plan to succeed far in life.  I know that UAF is the perfect place for me because it is close to all my family and friends.  The teachers and students are great and I am looking forward to a little fun while at college.

Wherever you go in life take some chances, get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself.  Good Luck.

 

REMINDER – Doyon Foundation 5.12.11 Graduation Reception

This is a reminder for those who can attend tomorrow’s Graduation Reception from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Doyon, Limited Chief’s Court – 1 Doyon Place, Fairbanks, Alaska. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Whitney Demientieff at 459-2048 or demientieffw@doyon.com.  We hope to see you there!

Agenda

Welcome – Doris Miller, Executive Director

Alumni Comments – Joy Huntington, Dartmouth College Class of 2006, Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies & Native American Studies

Introduction – Tonya Garnett, Scholarship Program Manager

Graduate Speaker – Jessie Bergman-David, University of Alaska Fairbanks Class of 2011, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education

Recognition of Doyon Foundation Graduates

Doyon, Limited Talent Bank – Robin Renfroe, VP Human Resources and Shareholder Relations

Athabascan Dance Group

 

Meet Morris Thompson Competitive Scholarship Recipient: Torin Jacobs

“Determine what you want, pursue it and remain determined. You will succeed. Have people close in your life that support you and your ideas. Treat everyone with respect and kindness; it will be returned.”

This is the advice that Torin Jacobs, one of Doyon Foundation’s 2010 – 2011 Morris Thompson competitive scholarship recipients, shared with his fellow students. Originally of Bethel, Alaska, Jacobs is currently living in Anchorage, where he is attending the University of Alaska Anchorage and expects to graduate in fall 2012.

Jacobs, who is studying business management, is the owner of Jacobs Sound Productions, an Anchorage-based music/audio production company. He plans to use the knowledge he has gained to strengthen and grow his business. In the future, he would also like to establish an educational program for students interested in music production and sound engineering.

Jacobs didn’t always know what he wanted to do. He said his biggest challenge was choosing a major.

“Our Creator found it suitable for me to be fascinated by everything in this world, which presents a major challenge when it comes to choosing a major. Thankfully, I was able to provide myself time to discover my passion and develop my skills and abilities while serving in the Marine Corps. Having done so, I began pursuing a future that involved music and learning how to make an income with something I’m passionate about,” he said.

Financing his education is one challenge that Doyon Foundation has been able to assist Jacobs with. “Doyon Foundation has consistently been a major financial support in my educational endeavors,” he said. “Because of this, I am able to focus more on my education and less on worrying how to pay for it.”

Aside from pursuing his degree, Jacobs said he also plans to continue “my education in my Yup’ik and Inupiaq cultures so that I may teach my children with the best of my knowledge our way of life.” He is also involved as a member of the Native Emerging Leaders Forum in Anchorage, and is a part-time performer with Pamyua under the moniker RiverFlowz.

Jacobs in the son of Blanche Theresa Jacobs from Philadelphia, Penn. and Herbert Raymond Jacobs from Hooper Bay, Alaska. He is the grandson of the late Sarah Andrews and John Davis from Philadelphia, Penn. and the late Mary Alice Jacobs (Menzo) of Hooper Bay and Hultman Jacobs of Shaktoolik, Alaska.

 

Morris Thompson Scholarship Recipient: Sarah Obed

Morris Thompson scholarship recipient Sarah Obed believes the effort it takes to gain a college degree is worth the effort, and encourages others to pursue their degree.

“Realize you can do it, but know it takes a serious commitment and that things can sometimes be difficult,” Obed advised fellow students. “But finishing your degree means a lifetime of payoffs in earnings and opportunities.”

Obed, who is originally from Minto, Alaska, is currently living in Ann Arbor, Mich., where she is attending the Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan. She will graduate in April 2011 with a master’s of public policy.

With her diploma in hand, Obed will return with her husband, Stephen, to Alaska, where she hopes to work for a public institution, Native organization or nonprofit. Her areas of interest and expertise include governance, tribal and Alaska Native issues, health policy, land use policies, community organizing and criminal justice issues.

Obed, who served in the Peace Corps and lived in the South Pacific for two years, said being so far from home has at times been difficult. Yet, whether serving overseas or pursuing a college degree, she has relied on Alaska’s community for support.  One of the things she’s done while at the University of Michigan is to help her school to plan a recruitment trip to Alaska. Two staff members will travel to Alaska in June, and Obed said she has connected them with Alaska Native organizations.

“I’m hoping to encourage more Native students to pursue a degree at one of the finest public educational research institutions in the U.S.,” Obed said.

Obed also stays involved and active at her school. She is a member of the Students of Color in Public Policy and of the Native Caucus. She also writes articles for the Ford School magazine State & Hill.

The Morris Thompson competitive scholarship that Obed received from Doyon Foundation has also helped to ease the challenges of pursuing her master’s degree.

“The scholarship from Doyon Foundation took a financial worry from my shoulders, and has allowed me to focus on my studies. Indeed, I’ve seen my grade point average increase from my first year of graduate school to this year. Part of that has been the course load, but part of that has also been from the lack of financial concern and stress. It’s helped me in a very real way achieve my goal and my master’s degree,” Obed said.

Obed is the daughter of Paul Sherry and Irene Robin Sherry, and the granddaughter of Edward and Eleanor Sherry and Walter and Louise Titus.

 

Leadership Panel – Fairbanks Feb 22

“Education is something young people need today. You need to work hard for it. Take advice from other people. If you want to go to school, don’t go halfway. Go all the way . Never give up.”

— Traditional Chief Peter John

Leadership Panel

Tuesday February 22, 2011

TIME: 3-5 pm

WHEN: February 22, 2011

WHERE: Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center 1st Floor Classroom

FNSBSD’s Alaska Native Education Coordinator, Mary Walker in collaboration with Sonta Roach, Director of Future Educators of Alaska, Doyon Foundation, Interior-Aleutians Campus, Tanana Chiefs Conference, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks are pleased to announce that Leadership panels for Youth will begin on February 22, 2011.

Moderators: Rachel Perkins, TCC Manager of Youth Employment Services, Mary Walker, Alaska Native Education Coordinator, Sonta Hamilton Roach Director of Future Educators of Alaska, Amelia Reurup, I-AC Upward Bound.

 

Doyon Foundation Student Profile: Raquel Williams

Doyon Foundation student Raquel Williams, of Allakaket, Alaska, is currently attending the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC), where she is pursuing a certificate in business and office technology.

Williams said her biggest challenge to date has been filling out all the paperwork required to go back to school. She tackled this challenge by organizing everything and then just completing the paperwork.

Williams said she appreciates the support she’s received from Doyon Foundation.

“Doyon Foundation helps with my financial aid to pay for school,” she said.

After graduating from AVTEC in May 2011, Williams wants to “find a great job with my certificate, and build a great home for my children.”

In her free time, Williams, who is the daughter of Joe and Rhea Williams, Jr., enjoys playing with her children.

“They are my life,” she said.