Preserving Indigenous Culture with Tech: Cisco's Impact in Alaska
In June 2024, two of my greatest passions—Native American culture and technology—came together in an extraordinary way. Alongside a small team from Cisco and IP Consulting, a Cisco Partner owned by African Americans, I traveled to Utqiaġvik (Barrow), Alaska, to support IỊisaġvik College and the Iñupiaq Alaska Native Tribe.
This journey was a surprise addition to my personal “bucket list,” one I hadn’t realized I needed until I experienced it. Our goal wasn’t to alter the Iñupiaq culture but to contribute to its preservation.
Addressing a Critical Need
Cisco’s Social Justice Action 8 initiative focuses on sustaining minority-serving colleges and universities by offering funding and modernizing their technology.
At IỊisaġvik College—Alaska’s only Tribal College, situated in the northernmost city in the United States—I witnessed the unique challenges faced by the community. Accessible only by air or sea, the college struggles to keep its technology up to date due to its remote location.
Guided by the principles of Action 8, we evaluated the college’s cybersecurity systems and implemented updates to meet federal requirements necessary for maintaining its Title IV funding. Additionally, we introduced Cisco’s Networking Academy to their curriculum, giving students the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications.
More Than Technology
While enhancing cybersecurity was our primary focus, the trip was about something much deeper: preserving the Iñupiaq way of life.
As a Native American, I deeply value the preservation of Indigenous cultures for future generations. This passion drives my efforts, including continuing my grandmother’s legacy from her work at the Intertribal Friendship House in Oakland, California, and my leadership of Cisco’s Native American Network (NAN), one of over 30 Inclusive Communities at the company.
IỊisaġvik College’s president, Justina Wilhelm, shares this vision. She recognizes that building IT and cybersecurity expertise in the Arctic is vital to sustaining the Iñupiaq culture. Together, Cisco and IP Consulting contributed to this mission, helping the college prepare for a stronger future.
A Warm Welcome
From the moment we arrived, the Iñupiaq community welcomed us with open arms. Rich in culture and deeply rooted in subsistence traditions, they generously shared their way of life. Each evening, we dined with different families, and since our visit coincided with whaling season, we participated in whaling ceremonies, including the traditional blanket toss, which hunters once used to scan for whales.
Visiting the Iñupiat Heritage Center gave me a deeper appreciation of their traditions, from crafting traditional clothing to the unique practices that distinguish their culture. I also shared some clothing customs from my own tribe, fostering an enriching cultural exchange.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the trip was connecting with students, showing them that opportunities exist for people who share their heritage. Representation matters deeply to me, and those conversations reinforced the importance of being a visible example for the next generation.
A Journey of Growth
Throughout my career at Cisco, I’ve embraced opportunities to represent my Indigenous heritage in projects that bring technology to Tribal communities. Each initiative has left a lasting impact, and my visit to Utqiaġvik was no exception.
The experience reminded me of home, with familiar sights like village houses, rez dogs, and children playing outside. At the same time, I marveled at the differences, particularly in the whaling ceremonies, which included traditional dances and sampling whale prepared in five distinct ways.
I’m deeply grateful to work at a company that empowers underrepresented voices. Native Americans comprise less than one percent of Cisco’s workforce, but I’ve always felt encouraged to be my authentic self—whether in an office, at a conference, or supporting social justice efforts like this.
IỊisaġvik College is the second Tribal College to benefit from Cisco’s social justice initiatives, and I’m honored to have been part of this work. I look forward to expanding our impact to more Indigenous-serving schools while continuing my own journey of learning and self-discovery.
Click here to know more about Cisco’s support of IỊisaġvik College.
This journey was a surprise addition to my personal “bucket list,” one I hadn’t realized I needed until I experienced it. Our goal wasn’t to alter the Iñupiaq culture but to contribute to its preservation.
Addressing a Critical Need
Cisco’s Social Justice Action 8 initiative focuses on sustaining minority-serving colleges and universities by offering funding and modernizing their technology.
At IỊisaġvik College—Alaska’s only Tribal College, situated in the northernmost city in the United States—I witnessed the unique challenges faced by the community. Accessible only by air or sea, the college struggles to keep its technology up to date due to its remote location.
Guided by the principles of Action 8, we evaluated the college’s cybersecurity systems and implemented updates to meet federal requirements necessary for maintaining its Title IV funding. Additionally, we introduced Cisco’s Networking Academy to their curriculum, giving students the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications.
More Than Technology
While enhancing cybersecurity was our primary focus, the trip was about something much deeper: preserving the Iñupiaq way of life.
As a Native American, I deeply value the preservation of Indigenous cultures for future generations. This passion drives my efforts, including continuing my grandmother’s legacy from her work at the Intertribal Friendship House in Oakland, California, and my leadership of Cisco’s Native American Network (NAN), one of over 30 Inclusive Communities at the company.
IỊisaġvik College’s president, Justina Wilhelm, shares this vision. She recognizes that building IT and cybersecurity expertise in the Arctic is vital to sustaining the Iñupiaq culture. Together, Cisco and IP Consulting contributed to this mission, helping the college prepare for a stronger future.
A Warm Welcome
From the moment we arrived, the Iñupiaq community welcomed us with open arms. Rich in culture and deeply rooted in subsistence traditions, they generously shared their way of life. Each evening, we dined with different families, and since our visit coincided with whaling season, we participated in whaling ceremonies, including the traditional blanket toss, which hunters once used to scan for whales.
Visiting the Iñupiat Heritage Center gave me a deeper appreciation of their traditions, from crafting traditional clothing to the unique practices that distinguish their culture. I also shared some clothing customs from my own tribe, fostering an enriching cultural exchange.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the trip was connecting with students, showing them that opportunities exist for people who share their heritage. Representation matters deeply to me, and those conversations reinforced the importance of being a visible example for the next generation.
A Journey of Growth
Throughout my career at Cisco, I’ve embraced opportunities to represent my Indigenous heritage in projects that bring technology to Tribal communities. Each initiative has left a lasting impact, and my visit to Utqiaġvik was no exception.
The experience reminded me of home, with familiar sights like village houses, rez dogs, and children playing outside. At the same time, I marveled at the differences, particularly in the whaling ceremonies, which included traditional dances and sampling whale prepared in five distinct ways.
I’m deeply grateful to work at a company that empowers underrepresented voices. Native Americans comprise less than one percent of Cisco’s workforce, but I’ve always felt encouraged to be my authentic self—whether in an office, at a conference, or supporting social justice efforts like this.
IỊisaġvik College is the second Tribal College to benefit from Cisco’s social justice initiatives, and I’m honored to have been part of this work. I look forward to expanding our impact to more Indigenous-serving schools while continuing my own journey of learning and self-discovery.
Click here to know more about Cisco’s support of IỊisaġvik College.
Companies