The Alaska Rural Systemic Initiative (AKRSI) implements initiatives to document the indigenous knowledge systems of Alaska Natives and develop pedagogical practices and school curricula that appropriately incorporate indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing into the formal education system. These initiatives foster interconnectivity between two interdependent but historically disconnected and alienated educational systems--the indigenous knowledge systems rooted in Native cultures, and the formal education system that has been imported. These systems have complementary scientific and mathematical knowledge and skills that can strengthen the quality of education for students throughout rural Alaska. AKRSI has positively influenced student performance. In its first 5 years, the AKRSI strategy has produced increases in student achievement scores; the number of rural students attending college; and the number of Native students choosing to pursue studies in the fields of science, math, and engineering; and a decrease in Alaska dropout rates. AKRSI-sponsored initiatives are briefly described, along with the evaluations currently underway that provide evidence of progress related to these systemic-reform change indicators: resource changes, policy changes, management changes, data utilization, implementation of standards-based curriculum, partnerships, and research. (TD)