University of Â鶹´«Ã½ Southeast Professor to Receive Governor’s Arts and Humanities Award

October 4, 2024

Dr. X̱'unei Lance Twitchell, Professor of Â鶹´«Ã½ Native Languages in the Department of Humanities at University of Â鶹´«Ã½ Southeast, is among nine recipients of the 2024 Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities. The Awards will be presented on October 29, 2024, at an event held at the Anchorage Museum in Anchorage, Â鶹´«Ã½. 

is an annual partnership between the Â鶹´«Ã½ Humanities Forum, the Â鶹´«Ã½ State Council on the Arts, the Â鶹´«Ã½ Arts and Culture Foundation, and the Office of the Governor to recognize and honor noteworthy contributions to the arts and humanities in Â鶹´«Ã½. Each year, these partners select awardees in several distinct categories, based on nominations submitted by the public.

The Â鶹´«Ã½ Native Arts Award recognizes individuals and organizations that successfully advance Â鶹´«Ã½ Native language or culture through their work and significantly improve the preservation, perpetuation, and active practice of Â鶹´«Ã½ Native arts.

is a dedicated and passionate advocate for the preservation and revitalization of Â鶹´«Ã½ Native languages, particularly the Lingít language. Serving as chair of the Council for Â鶹´«Ã½ Native Languages, Twitchell emphasizes the importance of including traditional ways, values, and worldviews in language learning, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures. Twitchell’s work recording, transcribing, and presenting the words of tribal Elders ensures their wisdom is preserved for future generations.

Earlier this year, X̱'unei Lance Twitchell published a book of poetry entitled (University of Â鶹´«Ã½ Press, 2024). The collection of 46 poems features some in English, some in Lingít, and some that combine the two languages. In addition to his work as a language teacher, preservationist, and poet Twitchell is also an accomplished visual artist. 

Twitchell in front of a totem pole

Dr. X̱'unei Lance Twitchell, Professor of Â鶹´«Ã½ Native Languages in the Department of Humanities at University of Â鶹´«Ã½ Southeast