Ethel Montgomery Scholarship Fund for Alaska Natives Pursuing Museum Studies

The Friends of the Alaska State Libraries, Archives & Museum in conjunction with the Alaska State Museum in Juneau, has announced the availability of the Ethel Montgomery Scholarship. Applicants for the $2,000 scholarship must be enrolled in an Alaskan federally-recognized tribe and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in museum studies.

The Ethel Montgomery Scholarship Fund was established in the 1990s to assist university-level Alaska Native students majoring in museum studies. Ethel Montgomery was one of the first docents at the Alaska State Museum. She was adopted into the Kaagwaantann Wolf Clan and became a very active member of the Alaska Native Sisterhood. One of her dreams was to help young Alaska Natives become curators and directors of museums that celebrate their cultures. The combination of her love for museums and for Native cultures contributed to the establishment of this scholarship.

Applications may be obtained by emailing Jackie Schoppert, Chair, Ethel Montgomery Scholarship Committee, at kaageesaak@aol.com (321-5652) or Marjorie Menzi, marjoriemenzi@msn.com (723-9156). Applications must be completed and mailed by Nov. 30, 2013, to the address on the application.

Austin Hammond tells Tlingit history at Lkhoot, Haines - Recording Placed Online

In Lḵoot, Haines, in the fall of 1986, Austin Hammond—Daanawáaḵ, Gunx̱aa G̱uwakaan—presented the at.óow of the Lukaax̱.ádi to demonstrate their sacred ties to the land. He told the history of how the Lukaax̱.ádi acquired the sockeye salmon as a crest, and how they came to own much of the Lḵoot area. He also showed the G̱eisán (Mt. Ripinsky) tunic, and spoke of the Haines totem pole which depicts Naas Shagi Yéil, Raven at the Head of the Nass River. Austin made a point that if we understand our history, then we are more capable of fighting for our rights. He implored the people to fight for their grandchildren. This presentation was documented by Nora Marks Dauenhauer—Ḵeixwnéi, also of the Lukaax̱.ádi. It is now available online.

Austin Hammond (1910 – 1993) was one of the most deeply respected and admired Tlingit Elders of his time. Austin was deeply committed to instructing about Tlingit knowledge and motivating Tlingit people to fight for their rights. The people whose lives he impacted—which includes people all over Alaska and beyond—continue to talk about Austin’s legacy and to try to embody the knowledge and values that he shared.

This recording is from the Sealaska Heritage Institute Operational Recordings collection. This recording was placed online as part of an Institute of Museum & Library Services grant.