Sergeant Jon Butler

Jonathan chose to finish his bachelor’s degree in Justice at the University of Alaska Anchorage when he heard that they offered a great program here. He realized that he wanted to learn more about Alaska Native history since he had been here for 13 years.

Jonathan saw that the Alaska Natives Studies program offered courses that put an emphasis on Alaska Native heritage and were taught by Alaska Native instructors. This allowed him to learn more about an Alaskan Native perspective on historical events from instructors who may have had firsthand experience with the historical events. He saw that these courses taught students about history, but they also are about preserving and saving the culture. Jonathan felt that it would be exciting to learn more about the culture and seeing these efforts helped him make the decision to add the Alaska Native Studies minor.

Mr. Butler hopes to use his Alaska Native Studies minor to gain more awareness and appreciation for the diversity in Alaska Native history and cultures. He hopes to be able to use his knowledge to recognize the differences throughout the regions that include various tribes and cultures in Alaska. Jonathan also wants to use his minor to create ways for the Anchorage Police Department to promote relationships with people who are Alaska Native.

He has seen that there may be barriers that could prevent relationships from being built, because there may be a lack of understanding of what has happened historically. Having learned about Alaskan Native history he feels that this could be the first step towards creating the opportunity to develop those relationships. Jonathan believes that sharing the value of acknowledging and knowing that it is important to restore and sustain Alaska Native cultures is a way to start those relationships with the Alaskan Native community.

Jonathan’s future career involves developing sustainable relationships with the Alaska Native community through the Alaska Anchorage Police Department. He hopes there will be an opportunity for each other to communicate and for the Anchorage Police Department to establish partnerships with Alaska Native organizations. Jonathan has already built a relationship with South Central Foundation and hopes to work with them in future.