Adelheid Herrmann facts for kids

Adelheid Herrmann (born April 15, 1953) is an important Dena'ina Athabaskan researcher and politician. She is known for her work in Alaska, especially helping communities and focusing on education. She is also a shareholder in the Bristol Bay Native Corporation, which is one of the 13 special companies owned by Alaska Native people.

Growing Up and Learning

Adelheid Herrmann was born in Levelock, Alaska on April 15, 1953. She grew up in a town called Naknek. Her grandfather, Charles Herrmann, came from Germany. Her grandmother, Anna Gartelman, was an Aleut woman from Nushagak.

Adelheid went to Bristol Bay High School from 1966 to 1970. She loved learning and continued her education. She earned a degree in public policy, which is about how governments make decisions. She also studied fisheries, which is about fish and fishing, and Native American studies, which focuses on the history and cultures of Native peoples. Later, she earned a special doctorate degree. This degree focused on leadership, especially in areas like fisheries and oceans.

Her Work and Impact

Adelheid Herrmann has had an interesting career helping people in Alaska.

Serving in Government

From 1983 to 1989, Adelheid was a member of the Alaska House of Representatives. This is like being a representative in your state's government. She represented the area around Naknek and was part of the Democratic Party. In this role, she helped make laws and decisions for the people of Alaska.

Research and Community Help

Today, Adelheid Herrmann is a researcher at the International Arctic Research Center (IARC) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She studies how communities can get ready for and deal with climate change. Her work helps rural communities in Alaska learn how to adapt to changes in their environment.

She is also a member of the Council of Elders at Alaska Pacific University. This group helps make sure that the knowledge, languages, and history of Alaska Native people are included and valued in education. Adelheid wants to help create a "tribal college concept." This idea means that Native Alaskans themselves lead their own educational paths. She believes this will make education more meaningful and helpful for their communities.