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Katie John, champion of Alaska Native fishing and hunting rights, wisdom bearer and teacher of her culture, was twice honored this past weekend with an honorary doctoral degree of laws from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. The first honoring came on Friday, at UAF's Interior Aleutians Campus in Tok, where she joined 14 graduating UAF I-A students.
The ceremony began when 95 year-old Katie led the procession of graduates with an assist from her granddaughter, Kathryn Martin, who was about to receive a bachelor's degree.
The red sashes designate students and faculty of Native heritage.
UAF Vice Chancellor Bernice Joseph and Miranda White, Director of the UAF Department of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development, during opening remarks. The ceremonies took place in the Tok community center.
Along with Kathryn, Katie was also joined by another granddaughter, Sara Demit, who would be receiving an associate degree.
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Katie smiles as a graduating student is hugged by her daughter as she receives her diploma.
UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers congratulates Kathryn.
Kathryn Martin with her diploma.
Katie waits as Vice Chancellor Joseph and Chancellor Rogers prepare to place the sash upon her that will tell the world that, although Katie John had very little formal schooling and never attended college, she has always been a student of her land, the animals upon it, the culture fostered by it, and has obtained a degree of knowledge easily worthy of a Ph.D.
Dr. Katie John.
Chancellor Rogers congratulates Dr. Katie John.
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Vice Chancellor Joseph, also Athabascan, congratulates Dr. Katie John.
Graduate Kathryn Martin explains how it was her grandmother who always taught her and encouraged her to learn and make the most of life.
After the degrees and honors, the Ahtna Heritage Dancers drummed and sang their way onto the floor to honor their Matriarch and the graduates.
Ahtna Heritage Dancers.
Ahtna Heritage Dancers.
Katie observes the dancers.
Katie is congratulated by a young dancer.
Katie with the Ahtna Heritage Dancers - about half of whom are her direct descendants.
Then the dancers brought the ceremonies to an end.
Before I make my post from the ceremonies that followed in Fairbanks, I need to do a phone interview with Kathryn Martin, who has been tied up in meetings all day today, so I am holding that post until tomorrow. I will also ask Kathryn to help me identify the young dancers and add their names in later.
(Note - Slide show contains contains additional images not included in post)