Kenai Peninsula College has a long history of reviving Alaska Native languages, beginning
with Professor Alan Boraas' work with the legendary Peter Kalifornsky (1911-1993),
a self-taught writer and ethnographer of the Dene language of Dena'ina, to document
and preserve the Dena'ina spoken language.
Students are currently able to complete a minor in Alaska Native Studies entirely
at KPC. Courses are staggered between the fall and spring semesters so careful planning
must be done to ensure required courses are all completed in the shortest time possible.
Some courses are offered in video conference format making them available online to
students who are not attending the Kenai River Campus.
Alaska Native language courses offered include:
Students are currently able to to complete an Associate of Arts in Alaska Native Studies or a minor in Alaska Naive Studes at KPC and in coordination with UAA>
The Associate of Arts (AA) in Alaska Native Studies provides students with a critical and dynamic perspective on Alaska Native cultures, histories, politics and organizations. This AA provides a valuable opportunity for students interested in exploring their options in higher education and/or employment with an Alaska Native organization.
Students may select from one of two areas to complete the requirements for the minor: a policy focus or language focus. Both of these areas emphasize the dynamic nature of Alaska Native cultures and the conflict between traditional Native values and those of the dominant Euro-American society. The Alaska Native Studies Minor provides a valuable enrichment to any UAA baccalaureate degree. A minimum of 19 credits is required for the minor, of which 6 credits must be upper division.
