Kinross Alaska provides US$1 million donation towards Alaskan Indigenous Studies

Kinross Alaska recently announced a US$1 million donation to support the development of the Troth Yeddha Indigenous Studies Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF).

The development of the Center has been in the works for a decade and will serve as the administrative hub for the UAF College of Rural and Community Development and its various Indigenous-focused academic and research programs. The Center will also serve as a gathering place with classes, services and activities that reflect the Alaska Native culture and its contributions across Alaska.

The 34-000-square-foot facility’s design prioritizes energy efficiency, with the goal of being a net-zero carbon emissions building, and developing a welcoming space that will help shape and strengthen the future of Alaska’s Native students.

“This is much more than a building. It is a space and a tangible symbol of honoring and valuing Alaska’s first people,” said Anna Atchison, External Affairs Director, Kinross Alaska. “This facility will help to shape and strengthen the future of Alaska Native students by creating a much-needed space for the current and planned growth of Indigenous programming at UAF.”

Kinross Alaska’s Fort Knox operation has been mining responsibility for more than 25 years and has been a strong contributor to the State and local communities. Since 2001, Fort Knox has supported over 300 community partners and contributed more than US$25 million to the Alaska Mental Health Trust.

“This important project will position UAF as a global leader in Indigenous STEM science and innovation that will benefit our community, state and nation,” said Charlene Stern, UAF’s vice chancellor for rural, community and Native education. “This gift demonstrates Kinross’ commitment to the vision for Alaska Native and Indigenous programs that will help to meet Alaska’s workforce needs now and into the future.”