Evan Shannon is Dena’ina Athabascan, born and raised in Tennessee. He is a student at the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK), finishing out a dual degree in classics and religious studies with plans to pursue a Master of Library and Information Science degree upon graduation. Evan is passionate about information access and outreach, and he hopes to work in academic libraries at rural and Tribal colleges. He has participated in and led activism on his college campus, primarily for disabled and LGBT+ rights. His work was recognized in 2024 when he received the Commission for Disability Undergraduate Award. Evan is continuing his activism by serving as vice president of UTK’s Native American Student Association. He currently works as both a library assistant and grading assistant and has received scholarships from The CIRI Foundation throughout his college career. In 2019, Evan attended the CIRI C3 Experience to reconnect with his Alaskan heritage and fell in love with the state. It is his dream to one day return to Alaska with his three cats, Mimi, Felony and Kevin.
