Native American Heritage Month student Julian Asuluk Jr.

Nov. 16, 2021

Julian Asuluk Jr. of Toksook Bay is one of the students highlighted by the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Native Education for Native American Heritage Month. 

Asuluk is an Alaska Native studies student from Toksook Bay, Alaska, where he likes to carve and go out hunting in the bay or on the rivers to provide for his family and the families of others. He likes fixing things and enjoying days with friends and family. He chose UAF because a friend told him UAF is a great place to be with lots of student support.

At UAF, Asuluk is the president of the Festival of Native Arts student club. The club organizes and promotes the festival, a longstanding Nanook tradition. He is also currently leading a qaspeq-making workshop. He is motivated to succeed here by his family, which include a brother who encourages him, a sister who calls him up, and grandparents who tell him he can do it!

Asuluk uses his Alaska Native values to help him succeed at UAF.

“I am growing my knowledge about our cultures and our ancestors,” he said. “My values help me try and get to classes and try not to miss out classes or any assignments. My values have taught me I can go through anything as long as I am respecting my time to study and get things done on time.”

Stay tuned for more Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Native Education student highlights commemorating Native American Heritage Month. If you have any questions, please contact Tia Tidwell at tmtidwell@alaska.edu.