It has long been known that the current Fairbanks campus site has a rich Athabascan history predating the current buildings. Excavations in the 1930s below the site of the present Bunnell building revealed a 10,000 year history of occupation as a campsite and lookout, perhaps used in hunting the caribou herds which crossed the Chena valley. (An excellent history of this site can be found in a 1991 book by Chuck Mobley.) However, the name Troth Yeddha' was not associated with the campus until relatively recently. The first mention of the name in conjunction with the campus appears in a 1990 address by traditional chief Peter John at a summit hosted by Rural Student Services. In his speech John referred to an historic gathering of the Tanana Chiefs on the campus site where the Chiefs gave their blessing for the new college to built. John used the name Troth Yeddha' and also used the imagery of the eagle feather, noting,
- "They placed an eagle feather on a pole. This was to let all the people know that the Dena would no longer be using the ridge for a meeting place or to pick wild potatoes. They were also giving a blessing so their grandchildren would be part of the new school."
Some linguists continue to dispute the connection of the name Troth Yeddha' with the Fairbanks campus. Certainly there are places where troth does grow, however, it is argued that the presence of this plant would be unlikely to influence choice of place name. Rather, the site was more likely important as a hunting encampment and--being located on a high point with good views to the south and east--a lookout. But this argument misses the point. The significance of last week's action by the Board of Regents is in the recognition of an Athabascan name and the historic role of Athabascan people on the Fairbanks campus. A role which will continue to be filled by future generations of Athabascan and other Alaska Native students.