Meet Cana Uluak Itchuaqiyaq, an Iñupiaq scholar and advocate dedicated to promoting equitable Arctic research and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities. Cana possesses a natural talent for strategic planning and employs Iñupiaq values to tackle complex problems.

Cana is a member of the Noorvik Native Community in NW Alaska, and currently serves as an assistant professor of professional and technical writing at Virginia Tech. Her interdisciplinary research combines expertise in the humanities and environmental sciences to develop culturally appropriate and capacity-driven science communication that supports environmental justice efforts. Cana’s work focuses on addressing the marginalization of underrepresented scholars and communities within mainstream academic practices, with a particular emphasis on promoting equity.

As an accomplished scholar, Cana has contributed to numerous publications, including articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Her co-authored article “Reviewer as Activist: Understanding Academic Review Through Conocimiento” won the prestigious 2023 CCCC Technical and Scientific Communication Award for Best Article on Philosophy or Theory of Technical or Scientific Communication. Her work also extends to book chapters and federal assessments, including her contribution to the upcoming National Climate Assessment 5, Alaska Chapter.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Cana serves on various boards and committees, advocating for Indigenous communities and fostering collaboration within Arctic research. She is the non-federal lead of the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee’s (IARPC) Participatory Research and Indigenous Leadership in Research (PILR) team and serves on the Board of Directors for the Arctic Research Consortium of the United States (ARCUS).

Cana’s dedication to promoting equity and amplifying underrepresented voices extends beyond her research and into her teaching. She regularly engages with her Alaska Native community, partnering with tribal organizations and entities to create community-engaged, service-learning courses – such as her justice-oriented science communication course. Cana’s work as a teacher and researcher aims to bridge the gap between academia and Indigenous communities, as well as foster collaboration between the humanities and the sciences.

With her commitment to promoting environmental justice, amplifying underrepresented voices, and fostering collaboration, Cana is a passionate and influential scholar in the realm of social justice and Arctic research. Through her expertise and dedication, she is working towards a more inclusive and equitable future for Indigenous communities and the scientific community as a whole.

Meet Corina Qaaġraq Kramer, an Indigenous community leader and advocate for Iñupiaq culture and youth. Corina has an intuitive skill for building relationships within rural communities and understanding the needs and capabilities of her people. Her dedication has led her to live and work within rural Arctic communities for decades, making a positive impact on countless lives.

Corina oversees language, culture, well-being, and cultural youth camp efforts in the Northwest Arctic Alaska region. With a background in program development and project management, Corina prioritizes the integration of Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat value system into business, education, and health practices. Corina is passionate about finding restoration through knowledge and believes that reviving culture, language, and Inuit well-being will be key in producing healthy families and communities among her people.

With over 15 years of experience in village outreach, organization, and collaboration, and 25 years of youth leadership and mentorship, Corina is a determined, self-educated, well-connected, and strong leader who brings people together to make positive change. Her resume boasts extensive experience in executive leadership, administration, program management, conflict management, and multimedia content production.

Corina is the Director of Operations for the Robert Aqqaluk Newlin Sr. Memorial Trust in Kotzebue, Alaska, where she develops regional, state, and national partnerships for language and culture work.

At the Harvard Center for Global Health Delivery, Corina serves as a Siamit Faculty member and the Della Keats Fellowship Community Director. She co-founded and developed the Social Medicine partnership for the NANA Region and supervises the Fellowship for Doctors and future regional health leaders. She is also a trainer, presenter, and published author, with a passion for producing multimedia content.

Corina’s passion for revitalizing Iñupiatun Iñuniałiq and strengthening her people and communities is evident in her extensive experience and dedication. With her expertise and leadership, Corina is helping academic researchers conduct equitable Arctic research with Indigenous communities.