FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 19, 2026

Utqiaġvik, Alaska — Iḷisaġvik is pleased to share that the College and its Board of Trustees signed proclamations celebrating four North Slope partners in September 2026, recognizing the contributions of these entities to education, cultural perpetuation, workforce development, and the College’s future. These proclamations are in celebration of the College’s 30th anniversary (1996-2026); this year has been a time to reflect and delight in student success and Tribal self-determination in education. Iḷisaġvik is proud to recognize the North Slope Borough (NSB), Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC), Iñupiat Community of the Arctic Slope (ICAS), and Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) through proclamations of appreciation honoring their contributions to the College and the communities it serves.

The proclamations recognize the distinct ways these partners have helped build and sustain Alaska’s only Tribal College. “Our partners have helped make Iḷisaġvik what it is today,” said President Justina Wilhelm. “Their leadership, investment, and collaboration have helped carry forward the vision established by those who came before which allows us to advance educational self-determination. We continue expanding access to culturally grounded higher education and building a homegrown workforce for our North Slope residents. As we celebrate 30 years, we are grateful for their commitment to our students and the future of our communities.”

North Slope Borough

The College honors the North Slope Borough as a foundational and sustaining partner whose financial investment and long-term support have helped make locally accessible higher education possible. The proclamation recognizes NSB’s commitment to students, families, and communities, as well as its collaboration in supporting pathways from K–12 education to college, workforce training, and lifelong learning. The proclamation also honors the Borough’s role in sustaining an institution created to serve the educational aspirations of the Iñupiat people and North Slope communities. Its enduring support reflects a shared commitment to education as a foundation for community strength, opportunity, and self-determination.

Arctic Slope Regional Corporation

ASRC is recognized for its philanthropic support, leadership through representation on the College’s Board of Trustees, and collaboration in developing career pathways. Its partnership has supported educational access, student success, workforce development, village outreach, and community engagement. The proclamation also acknowledges ASRC’s contributions to preparing students for meaningful employment and future leadership throughout the Arctic.

Iñupiat Community of the Arctic Slope

The proclamation honoring ICAS recognizes its leadership in sanctioning Iḷisaġvik to become a federally recognized Tribal College, affirming the importance of higher education grounded in Iñupiaq culture, language, values, and self-determination. It also honors ICAS’s representation on the Board of Trustees and shared stewardship of the College’s mission, cultural knowledge, and service to future generations.

Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation

UIC is recognized for its longstanding commitment to education, workforce development, and community engagement. The proclamation highlights its participation in community roundtables and other efforts connecting the College to regional priorities and employment needs. It also acknowledges UIC’s sale of land to Iḷisaġvik for a new campus, an important step toward a permanent home in a new, Arctic campus that will serve generations of students.

As Iḷisaġvik celebrates this milestone, the proclamations recognize that its achievements reflect a shared commitment to education and the future of the North Slope. The College extends its gratitude to these partners for helping students pursue their goals, strengthening communities, and supporting the continued growth of Tribal higher education in Alaska. Iḷisaġvik is thrilled to celebrate 30 years of higher education excellence—excellence that is supported and sustained by these four organizations and so many others across the North Slope and Alaska. Maannakiaq!

About Iḷisaġvik College

Iḷisaġvik College is Alaska’s only Tribal college and is located in the northernmost village in the United States, Utqiaġvik (Barrow). Iḷisaġvik College provides quality post-secondary academic, career, and technical education in a learning environment that perpetuates and strengthens Iñupiat culture, language, values, and traditions. It is dedicated to serving its students and developing a well-educated and trained workforce who meet the human resource needs of North Slope employers and the state of Alaska.

 

Iḷisaġvik College Contact:

Caitlin Walls
Dean of Advancement and Effectiveness
caitlin.walls@ilisagvik.edu
907-319-8755