UAF at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival
CLA proudly recognizes Nancy James, an Adjunct Professor of English, for her outstanding
contribution at the prestigious Smithsonian Folklife Festival held in Washington,
D.C., from June 26 to July 1, 2024. The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner recently featured
Nancy’s insightful article, which highlights the participation of ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥n Indigenous
performers in this significant cultural event.
At the festival, which celebrated the voices of Indigenous cultures from across the Americas, ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥n performers took center stage. Among them was Phillip Blanchett, who, along with athletes London Walker and Peter Griggs, showcased traditional Arctic games such as the One-Foot High Kick. Their performances not only captivated international audiences but also underscored the rich cultural heritage of ÀÖ»¢Ö±²¥'s Indigenous communities.
Nancy James, who teaches writing and literature in UAF’s English Department, brings this same dedication and passion to her classroom, offering students courses like English 314: Technical Writing. We congratulate Nancy on her achievements and for proudly representing UAF on such a prominent platform.