UAS, Tlingit & Haida sign memorandum to advance Indigenous educational opportunities

MOU lays groundwork for long-term partnership, innovation and vision for a School of Indigenous Studies at UAS.

Juneau, Alaska

Date of Press Release: March 27, 2026

The University of Alaska Southeast and the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska have entered into a memorandum of understanding, laying the groundwork for long-term partnership and innovation, at the center of which is the co-creation of a vision for a School of Indigenous Studies at UAS.

The signed memorandum of understanding is available to view online.

At the March 27 signing at the Tlingit & Haida Executive Council chambers in Juneau, leaders spoke on how the agreement will advance shared goals and strengthen educational opportunities in Southeast Alaska.

“This is a historic day,” said UAS Chancellor Aparna Palmer, Ph.D. “Rarely is it the case that a tribe and a university come together as equal partners to create a vision for education. We are honored and humbled to have the trust of the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Tribes of Alaska, and we proudly stand with them as we embark on this journey.”

"There’s leadership within the university system that we can truly lock arms with—leadership that understands the importance of uplifting Indigenous studies at every level," said Tlingit & Haida President Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson. “Together, we are creating space for our own Indigenous educators to lead, and for our people—who so richly deserve these opportunities—to earn their degrees. This agreement reflects a shared commitment to building a bold vision for what a School of Indigenous Studies can and should be."

Palmer said the opportunity to collaborate on creating a vision for the school is “truly remarkable.”

“It's an opportunity to continue to integrate, celebrate and shape the education that we offer at UAS with the values and the traditions of Indigenous Peoples,” Palmer said. “It is also an opportunity to prosper together, grow our economic vitality and meet our workforce needs in a way that honors our shared priorities and our shared values.”