Educators recognized for distinguished service in schools, communities

Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) awarded four educators from communities throughout Alaska for their distinguished services during Our Cultural Landscape, SHI’s 2026 culturally responsive education conference.

Three people received SHI’s Distinguished Educator Award, which recognizes those who intentionally weave cultural and Indigenous knowledge or worldviews throughout their lessons and in their classrooms. These educators also use approaches and materials that reflect Native students’ identity and values through place-based and culturally relevant practices, while reinforcing students’ capacity for extraordinary academic achievements.

One person was given SHI’s Community-Based Learning Teaching Award, which recognizes that intellectual curiosity and the generation of knowledge are not limited to the classroom but can occur anywhere. The award celebrates achievements in teaching that honor SHI’s values of cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding through community engagement or public outreach.

Distinguished Educator Awardees

• Kaalkéis Rene’e Drummond

Tlingit Culture, Language and Literacy (TCLL) teacher — Juneau

• Chelsea Martinez

Annette Island School District counselor — Metlakatla

• Bridgette Reynolds

Pacific High School Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math (STEAM) teacher — Sitka, adjunct professor at University of Alaska Southeast — Juneau

Community-Based Learning Teaching Awardee

• Luke Fortier

Goldbelt Heritage Institute director of education — Juneau

The conference was held Aug. 4-6 at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall in downtown Juneau, with virtual elements available. The theme of this year’s event was Learning from Our Ancestors, Shaping Our Future.

Sealaska Heritage Institute is a non-profit tribal organization founded in 1980 to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. Its goal is to promote cross-cultural understanding by educating the general public about the Indigenous cultures of Alaska. SHI also conducts scientific and public policy research that promotes Alaska Native arts, cultures, history and education statewide. The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars, a Native Artist Committee, a Southeast Regional Language Committee and an Education Committee.

CONTACT: Kathy Dye, Deputy Director of Publications and Communications, kathy.dye@sealaskaheritage.com

Caption: From left: Bridgette Reynolds, Kaalkéis Rene’e Drummond, Chelsea Martinez and Luke Fortier. Note: News outlets are welcome to use this photo for coverage of this story. For higher-res versions, contact kathy.dye@sealaskaheritage.com.