Alaska Fellows Program Position Description
Sealaska Heritage Institute
Juneau
This position is part of the Alaska Fellows Program. All fellows live together, “in community,” in their respective host site. Each host site is unique and remarkable.
Fellows receive housing, a $1000 monthly living stipend and a $500 relocation stipend. The fellowship includes facilitated and funded opening and closing retreats.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. If you are applying to a position in Juneau, please note that the program will last seven months (October-April) while other programs will run nine months (September-May).
For other questions about the application process, email applications@alaskafellows.org.
Work Term: October through the end of April
Employer: Sealaska Heritage Institute – Sealaska
Contact: Kaylin Anderson
Title: Education Fellow
Organization Description:
Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) is a private nonprofit founded in 1980 to perpetuate and enhance the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. Its goal is to promote cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding through public services and events. Sealaska Heritage also conducts social, scientific, and public policy research that promotes Alaska Native arts, cultures, history and education statewide. The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars, a Native Artist Committee and a Southeast Regional Language Committee.
The SHI Education Department develops youth programs that promote and utilize traditional cultural knowledge and understanding of the SHI Four Core Culture Values in activities to increase student engagement in academic success and leadership, and operates youth programs for the preservation of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian culture and language.
Position Description:
The Sealaska Heritage Institute Education Fellow will work alongside the director of Education, Kristy Dillingham, to assist with and initiate projects related to the Education Department’s on-going programming initiatives.
The Education Department runs a variety of programs including:
STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math), a program that integrates Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian arts and inquiry-based learning with STEM curriculum to support the academic success of Alaska Native students.
Thru the Cultural Lens, a cultural-responsiveness training program that aims to increase the number of culturally knowledgeable educators in order to improve the academic success and graduation rates for Alaska Native youth.
Our Language Pathway, an adult-based language revitalization program that aims to increase the number of heritage language educators with language certifications.
Baby Raven Reads, an award winning early-literacy program that aims to improve kindergarten readiness for Native children and increase positive attitudes towards reading in the homes of Native children.
Tlingit Culture, Language and Literacy, a K-12 level Tlingit language revitalization program, built on the understanding that incorporation of traditional tribal values directly contributes to Alaska Native student success and fosters an environment to grow leadership skills, self-confidence, and creativity.
Native Youth Olympics (NYO), a statewide sport that includes 10 different events based on the hunting and survival skills of the indigenous people of Alaska and across the Arctic going back hundreds of years. SHI has partnered with the Juneau School District to support the ongoing practice of these events by middle school and high school students throughout the district. In addition, SHI hosts an annual Juneau-based NYO competition, for athletes across Alaska. Although athletes compete to perform their personal best, they also cheer and support each other, no matter the team, practicing in the Southeast Traditional Tribal Value of “Hold Each Other Up”. The NYO program has measurable emotional, academic and social benefits for all its participants.
The specific focus of the fellowship will depend largely on the interests and background of the selected applicant, however, the Education Fellow should be prepared to play a significant role in the coordination of our NYO programming and events.
Qualifications:
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication
Strong leadership and mentorship skills
Ability to work well within a team and accept constructive feedback
Ability to work well individually and initiate constructive work projects
Highly organized, self-motivated, and attentive to detail
Ability to manage multiple projects
Skilled in public speaking and presentation techniques
Ability to interact with peers, supervisors, students, parents, and other third parties in a professional, appropriate, and effective manner
Ability to work travel and work nontraditional hours when necessary
Proficient in computer applications, including word processors, spreadsheets database software, and online survey applications
Knowledge of operation of standard office equipment
Familiarity with Sealaska Heritage Institute’s education programming
In-depth knowledge of Alaska Native cultures, education programming and Juneau’s educational system
We emphasize the recruitment and mentorship of Alaska Native applicants.
Application Materials: Cover letter, resume, and three references.
Submit materials to: Kaylin Anderson- HR Director at kaylin.anderson@sealaska.com
When submitting your applications, please also copy applications@alaskafellows.org.