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American Indian Heritage Month Essay Contest

Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska's (CCTHITA) Community Services & Self-Governance (CSSG) Division is sponsoring an essay contest this month in celebration of American Indian Heritage Month.

"We are excited that we are able to offer this activity to further emphasize the rich culture and heritage of Southeast Alaska Native people during this American Indian Heritage Month and look forward to receiving many good and informative essays from our Native student tribal members," said Georgia Finau, Director of Community Services & Self-Governance.

The American Indian Heritage Month Essay Contest encourages tribally enrolled students to research who they are and what being Native means to them. In addition, it promotes discussion among students, elders, and the Native community regarding their heritage, culture, and the issues that face our Native communities in Southeast Alaska. CCTHITA encourages students to look through our website to learn more about the programs and educational resources available to them through the Tribe.

The essay contest deadline is Monday, November 30, 2009. A panel of three judges will review all essays and award the grand prize of an ACER laptop, along with other prizes to runner-ups. The winners will be announced in CCTHITA's December newsletter and will also be posted on our website.

Eligible students include those who are enrolled with CCTHITA or in one of Southeast Alaska's federally recognized tribes.

Essay Contest Rules:

  • Students must be enrolled with CCTHITA or in one of Southeast Alaska's federally recognized tribes.
  • Students  must be enrolled in grades 7-12.
  • The essay cannot exceed five hundred (500) words.
  • The essay must be the original work of the student.
  • It is preferred that the essay be typed in a 12 pt. font. If the essay is handwritten, it must be clear and legible.
  • CCTHITA must receive essay submissions by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, November 30, 2009, to be considered.

Submissions may be:

    • Emailed to gfinau@ccthita.org (MS Word doc or PDF)
    • Faxed to 907.586.8970
    • Hand delivered to third floor of the Andrew Hope Building located at 320 W Willoughby Avenue in Juneau, or
    • Mailed to:

      CCTHITA CSSG Division
      320 W. Willoughby Ave., Suite 300
      Juneau, Alaska 99801
      If mailed, submissions must be post marked by November 23, 2009.

Please address the following two questions in your essay:

  • What does being Native (American Indian/Alaska Native) mean to me?
  • What issues face the Native (Alaska Native) community in Southeast Alaska and how can these issues be best addressed?

Tip:  Visit www.ccthita.org to learn more about the Tlingit and Haida people.

Printable essay contest rules are available to download in both PDF and MS Word formats.

If you need additional information, please contact:

Georgia Finau, CSSG Division Director
Ph: 907.463.7157 | Fax: 907.586.8970

Loretta Wallin, CSSG Financial Analyst
Ph: 907.463.7117 | Fax: 907.586.8970