Dr. Ernestine Hayes presenting “Pleistocene Raven: Old Stories, New Writing”

Dr. Hayes, the Alaska State Writer Laureate from 2017 to 2019, will present her new work with the Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship project, which centers on three ancient Raven stories of fire, water, and daylight. Sharing her work with First Nations Development Institute, Hayes proposes that oral history and Western science tell stories of the same events, each complementing the other and both filling essential human needs.

Juneau, Alaska

Date of Press Release: October 16, 2024

The University of Alaska Southeast Evening at Egan fall lecture series continues Friday, October 18th at 7:00 p.m. with Professor Emerita Dr. Ernestine Hayes presenting “Pleistocene Raven: Old Stories, New Writing.”

Dr. Hayes, the Alaska State Writer Laureate from 2017 to 2019, will present her new work with the Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship project, which centers on three ancient Raven stories of fire, water, and daylight. Sharing her work with First Nations Development Institute, Hayes proposes that oral history and Western science tell stories of the same events, each complementing the other and both filling essential human needs.

Alison Staudinger, Interim Dean of Arts & Sciences remarks, “To read Ernestine Hayes' work is to be invited to see the world anew. We're thrilled that she is bringing her new writing to our campus, offering us fresh insights into well-known Raven stories—and into our own lives."

Evening at Egan lectures are scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Egan Library on the Juneau Campus and live-streamed on the UAS YouTube Channel. They are free and open to the public.

Upcoming Talks

Friday, November 15: "Working on Ice: Field Notes from the Juneau Icefield” with speakers from the Juneau Icefield Research Program presenting research updates, field stories, and a discussion of the future of JIRP.

Friday, December 13: The "Winter Fire Showcase" will feature UAS community members presenting a combination of creative work and academic excellence, inspiring discussion around the vibrant and varied artistry that enriches our community.