GCI donation supports hands-on cultural learning for North Slope youth
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – On Alaska's North Slope, some of life's most important lessons are learned on the land. Whether it's harvesting traditional foods, navigating the tundra or spending time with Elders and community knowledge holders, these experiences help connect young people to their culture, community and way of life.
Through its GCI Gives program, GCI has donated $7,500 to the Arctic Education Foundation (AEF) in support of the organization’s 2026 Regional Culture Camp, a weeklong program that brings together youth from communities across the North Slope for hands-on learning rooted in Iñupiaq traditions.
"For many participants, camp is a chance to learn by doing, whether that's preparing traditional foods, practicing cultural skills or spending time on the land with experienced knowledge holders," said Katie Roseberry, Director of the Arctic Education Foundation. "Support from partners like GCI helps create experiences that strengthen connections, build confidence and leave a lasting impact on young people across the North Slope."
Participants learn subsistence practices, traditional arts and crafts, language, food processing and other cultural skills while spending time outdoors with community leaders and culture bearers. The camp serves youth ages 12-14 from communities throughout the North Slope Borough.
The Regional Culture Camp is expected to host 28 youth participants and relies on community support to help fund staffing, equipment, supplies and transportation.
"Programs like the Regional Culture Camp reflect the best of rural Alaska—communities coming together to invest in young people," said GCI Rural Affairs Senior Director Jenifer Nelson. "GCI is proud to support an opportunity that helps North Slope youth connect with their culture, learn from one another and create lasting memories."
GCI’s corporate philanthropy program, GCI Gives, makes a positive impact on communities throughout Alaska. Through the program, GCI actively engages in philanthropic endeavors focused on supporting local nonprofits, fostering digital inclusion, promoting education, and enhancing the overall well-being of Alaskans.
To learn more about GCI Gives, visit: https://www.gci.com/about/gci-gives.
About GCI
Headquartered in Alaska, GCI provides data, mobile, voice and managed services to consumer, business, government, and carrier customers throughout Alaska, serving more than 200 communities. The company has invested more than $5 billion in its Alaska network and facilities over the past 45+ years. Through a combination of ambitious network initiatives, GCI continues to expand and strengthen its statewide network infrastructure to deliver the best possible connectivity to its customers and close the digital divide in Alaska. Learn more about GCI at www.gci.com. GCI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Capital Corporation (Nasdaq: GLIBA, GLIBK). Learn more at https://www.libertycapitalcorp.com/.