(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - Brandon Castle, a recent Fort Lewis College graduate from Ketchikan, is this year’s recipient of the annual Tongass Historical Society’s Pat Roppel $5,000 scholarship.

Castle was recently accepted into the University of Washington’s Museology Graduate program. After working as a tour guide at the Totem Heritage Center, he stated that he was inspired to “bring underrepresented voices to the forefront of the museum field and center my education on Alaskan history. As I reflect on my experiences thus far, I look ahead to my goals of being part of a fulfilling and challenging future in museums.”

Those experiences included internships at the Field Museum, The Center of Southwest Studies and the American Museum of Natural History, where Castle had the opportunity to learn from museum curators and Native advisors in addition to assisting conservators with the preservation of Tsimshian totem poles.

Castle states that “the decisions we make today will have a lasting effect on future generations, which is why I want to do this work. The opportunity for me to learn my language, connect with my family, and preserve our traditions has come from the perseverance of my ancestors. It has come with the cost of losing parts of our tradition. But these losses have not hindered our ability to find clarity and to find strength. I am passionate about preserving Alaska’s history because I believe we all deserve the ability to make connections with each other and celebrate who we are.”

The Tongass Historical Society’s Pat Roppel Scholarship provides an annual $5,000 scholarship to student majoring in the history of Alaska at the undergraduate or graduate level. Students either need to be enrolled or intend to enroll at an accredited college. Preference is given to applicants specializing in Southeast Alaska history or the history of mining, fisheries, or timber in Alaska.  This scholarship is in memory of Patricia “Pat” Roppel, author, historian and Alaskan. Donations are accepted through the Alaska Community Foundation. 

The Alaska Community Foundation (ACF) is a statewide platform for philanthropy that connects people who care with causes that matter. ACF’s mission is to inspire the spirit of giving and connect people, organizations, and causes to strengthen Alaska’s communities now and forever.

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Tongass Historical Society
www.tongasshistory.org

Alaska Community Foundation (ACF)
 www.alaskacf.org

 

 

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