As one of three surviving delegates to the 1955 Alaska Constitutional Convention, Vic Fischer is uniquely qualified to shed light on the intent of the original authors of the state constitution. Given the recent spotlight on national and state elections, Fischer will speak to the importance of the ballot, civic participation and the right to vote by all citizens from his perspective as one of the founders of the state. These were key issues in the Alaska Constitutional Convention.

Fischer is well regarded for his contributions in the development of the states’ government from territorial days through today. In the territory of Alaska residents were not allowed to vote in national elections and Fischer, along with other dedicated Alaskans, felt strongly about taking the necessary steps to secure the vote by pursuing statehood.

Fischer was an ardent participant in the Constitutional Convention. He brought his experiences with oppressive regimes including his early years in Germany as Hitler came to power in the early 1930s and in the Soviet Union during the years of terror under Joseph Stalin, before leaving these dictatorships for this country. As a solider in World War II, his generation stood up to the anti-democratic forces of fascism and Nazism.

Fischer has written extensively on local government issues and has served on a wide range of boards related to the arts and humanities. Currently, he is retired professor of public affairs at UAA and director emeritus of the Institutes of Social and Economic Research (ISER) and the Office of Russian Affairs.

Fischer’s presentation will be followed by a discussion facilitated by Michael Hawfield, KBC associate professor of history and political science emeritus and Dr. Jeffrey Meyers, KBC assistant professor of history and political science.

Fischer will speak at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at KBC’s Pioneer Hall in Homer. The presentation will be broadcast via video conference at KRC’s Ward building room 102. The events are open to the public.

Kenaitze Indian Tribe collaborates with KPC Native and Rural Student Services

Sondra Shaginoff-Stuart, KRC Native and Rural Student Services coordinator, has cultivated many successful partnerships including collaborating with the Kenaitze Tribe to establish the Visiting Elders Program.

Bringing Elders on campus has proven to be a powerful motivator for students by raising awareness about Native traditional ways and the importance of preserving languages and culture. Whether berry picking or sharing food, song and dance, these Elders are imparting knowledge not available in textbooks.

“Max Chickalolusion, a visiting Elder from Tyonek, Clinton Lageson from the Kenaitze Tribal Council and visiting Elders from Hawaii recently came to the Residence Hall. They enjoyed the social occasion to meet many of our students and spent time talking about the dual importance of understanding traditional ways and getting a Western education emphasizing they need both to help their communities,” said Shaginoff-Stuart.

Helen Dick, respected Elder, fluent speaker of Dena’ina and adjunct language instructor, has been staying at the residence hall as part of the Elder in Residence program. Her support has helped to sustain students as they live and study here.”

The Kenaitze Tribe has also sponsored KPC basketball teams, providing team jerseys. The KPC teams are competing in the North Peninsula Recreation League.

This column is provided by Suzie Kendrick, Advancement Programs Manager at Kenai Peninsula College.