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Board of Regents approves Troth Yeddha’ project

The University of �ֻ�ֱ�� Board of Regents on Friday unanimously voted for formal project approval for the Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center and Park.

The regents’ approval of the $40 million project, which is slated for construction on the �ֻ�ֱ�� Troth Yeddha’ Campus in Fairbanks, means UAF can proceed with fundraising and schematic design.

UAF launched the Troth Yeddha’ fundraising initiative a decade ago, when university and Indigenous leaders dedicated Troth Yeddha’ Park, located between the Reichardt Building and the University of �ֻ�ֱ�� Museum of the North on UAF’s West Ridge. The initiative aims to raise $40 million toward construction of the Indigenous Studies Center on the Troth Yeddha’ Park site. UAF has already raised $2.7 million from private donors, which will fund the initial design of the center.

When complete, the center will serve as the administrative hub for UAF’s College of Rural and Community Development, which includes the �ֻ�ֱ�� Native Language Center, the Department of �ֻ�ֱ�� Native Studies and Rural Development, and the Center for Cross-Cultural Studies, among other programs. The center will also house programs that support Indigenous student success.

Charlene Stern, UAF’s vice chancellor for rural, community and Native education, said the project has the potential to revolutionize the way students experience the university.

“By creating a space for the perpetuation of Indigenous knowledge and cultures, this one-of-a-kind facility will solidify the University of �ֻ�ֱ��’s position on the global map for its excellence in research and high-quality academic programs that meaningfully engage Indigenous peoples and places,” Stern said.

More information about the project is available at the Troth Yeddha’ initiative website.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Charlene Stern, cbstern@alaska.edu