The Humanities Rising Award recognizes an emerging Alaskan whose creative work is already making a profound impact by connecting Alaskans through stories, ideas, and lived experiences. Melissa, an Ahtna and Paiute citizen of the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council and the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and a member of the Udzisyu (caribou) clan, is an interdisciplinary artist and museum specialist. Her practice centers on conversation for understanding, gifting for survival, and creating access points to cultural knowledge.
Melissa operates Kuzuundze’ ts’eghaanden, “the place where we make/destroy pretty things,” an Indigenous-centered studio-gallery that supports Elders, youth, and emerging artists. She is also a founding member of Łuk’ae Tse’ Taas (Fish Head Soup) Comics and leads Dena’ina teh/theh eł Ahtna k’ae “This is a Dena’ina and Ahtna place,” a project promoting language visibility and cultural reclamation in Dghayitnu.
“Melissa’s visionary leadership, grounded in respect and collaboration, makes her a powerful force for cultural continuity and innovation in Alaska,” said her nominator Carrie Jean Shephard. “Her artistic practice and museum work together weave stories that bind communities, deepen identity, and imagine futures rooted in ancestral strength.”
Join us on Oct. 28 at the Anchorage Museum to celebrate Melissa’s long list of contributions to the Humanities, and encourage her continued work to inspire, connect, and engage Alaskans!
Get your tickets today at https://www.akgovawards.org/attend