As with many tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), there is a fine balance between functioning within the Westernized constructs of higher education and the place-based, Indigenous spaces that perpetuate Native ways of knowing and being. Over the years of serving our students, Iḷisaġvik College faculty, administrators, and staff have seen the critical importance of being an Indigenized institution first—the primacy of Iñupiaq culture being embedded into curriculum, policy, decision-making processes, and community-based activities is at the root of Iḷisaġvik’s students thriving, persisting, and completing their educational goals.

The intersection of Native ways of knowing and the arts and humanities is profound. TCUs embrace not just the student, but the families and communities of which they are a part. The study and practice of the arts and humanities create a more holistic understanding of these disciplines. These practices are a natural inherent process and way of life for our people. For example, storytelling, an essential component of many Indigenous cultures serves as both an art form and a means of conveying history, values, and teachings. To take a step further, these rich stories and history are at risk of being lost, but the opportunity to digitally record allows us to capture and reshare our history.

At Iḷisaġvik College we have been on a mission to uplift and enhance our Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Through the cultural relevance embedded in our curriculum, students develop a strong sense of self-identity and are empowered to decide and define who they are as modern Indigenous students in a globalized world.

The arts and humanities can provide realistic job pathways for TCU students. The importance of jobs that create opportunities for cultural preservation, language, education, and community engagement rely on a strong foundation in the humanities. Technology and multimedia are other areas that can support and revive our culture. Living in a tribal community, where self-determination and sovereignty are at the forefront, creates ties to our past leaders and instills dedication and prioritizes building up our future leaders who are wholly connected to their culture and communities. Creating a dynamic homegrown workforce is key. Students who complete arts and humanities degrees have opportunities to contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond. There is a saying that goes, “nothing about us without us.” When we put this into an Indigenous framework, it means it is critical that TCUs provide the foundation for our students to pursue career paths to advocate for their rich history, language, culture, values, and traditions.

As a tribal college president, I am deeply humbled to have the opportunity to advocate and prioritize our Indigenous ways of being and knowing throughout our institution, which in turn builds our next generation of leaders and workforce. From the various arts and humanities job opportunities and beyond, education is key to our success.

Justina Wilhelm, MSW
President, Iḷisaġvik College
Tribal College Journal Advisory Board