Approximately twenty educators gathered at the Sitka Campus of the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) in August 1999 for an Indigenous Curriculum Development in Science Institute. Dr. Claudette Engblom Bradley (UAF), Dr. Tom Thornton (UAS), Michael Travis, Dr. Richard and Mrs.Nora Dauenhauer (Sealaska Heritage Foundation) served as the Institute instructors.

The purpose of the institute was: (1) to develop classroom adaptations of science lessons based on the Cultural Atlas (which began in 1997 in the Southeast Region) and Axe Handle Academy (Which began in 1996)curriculum projects; (2) To inform teachers about the work of Tom Thornton, Michael Travis, Lydia George (Tlingit Elder) and Jimmy George on the Angoon Cultural Atlas (which was produced in 1998); (3) To familiarize teachers with the bioregional, thematic curriculum of the Axe Handle Academy developed by Richard and Nora Dauenhauer (1996-present); (4) To provide teachers with field experience with middle school student science projects at Dog Point Fish Camp of Sitka, AK.; and (5) To facilitate development of science curriculum for Southeast Alaska schools in the 1999-2000 school year.