Living a Giving Life
Culture Bearer
“How many people dream of what the world is going to be like?” Marie mused. During her 96 years, Marie has spent a lifetime not only dreaming about what the world will be like but helping to shape that world. Marie carries her grandmother’s Tlingit name Kaayistaan and she started the Kaayistaan Alaska Native Studies Scholarship Fund at UAS, which supports annual scholarships for students enrolled in Alaska Native language, arts, or cultural courses through the school’s Alaska Native Studies Program.
She beams with pride when reflecting on her efforts to promote higher education and Tlingit culture. “It makes me feel good. We are not done. One of these days, I will be gone. I am thinking all the time…there is so much to do.” Learn more about Kaayistaan and other community champions in the 2020 Annual Report.
“If I had the time, I would keep on giving what I know. What I’ve learned in my travels, about people and freedom. In speaking the truth there is absolute freedom, and that is wonderful.”
Learn More (page 14) Listen to Her Story
