Vanessa Duyck

Vanessa Duyck, from Nenana, Alaska is the daughter of Mitchell Duyck and Janis Elliget. Vanessa is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Anthropology with a minor in Tribal Governance at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Grounded in Athabaskan values, she is passionate about supporting tribal communities and plan to earn a PhD in Anthropology to further this mission.

A dedicated parent and advocate, Vanessa helps elders, youth, and individuals with mental health challenges while assisting with her family’s forestry business. She credits scholarships from Doyon Foundation and UAF for enabling her educational journey and draws strength from her culture and elders.

“Education is not a race and there is no need to rush through it. In life, all hard work pays off no matter how long it takes.”