Celebrating 25 years: The Alaska Native Heritage Center

The Alaska Native Heritage Center celebrated its 25th anniversary of the grand opening. The heritage center opened its doors to the public on May 1, 1999 and is located on 26 acres of land on the traditional territory of the native village of Eklutna. 

The center features a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits. Tour times are 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., while demonstrations are 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. 

Self-guided tours are available during open hours – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Those who are interested can find audio or visual guides available for download on the Alaska Native Heritage Center’s website. There is an admission fee, and prices can be found at the entrance of the building or online. 

A Raven the Creator statue stands at the main entrance – enticing curious audiences – while the  heritage center allows visiting attendees to immerse themselves  in the art and culture of Alaska's first people. 

The Ch’k’iqadi Gallery displays both modern and traditional masks and offers a chance to view art, jewelry and products that support Alaska Native artists. 

Collectively, the gallery introduces both Native and tribe owned businesses. 

The gallery features art pieces by Sugpiaq painter Perry Eaton. Eaton is a mask maker and carver and is known as a talented artist. He is also the  former founder and CEO of the heritage center. 

The current President and CEO is UAA Alumna Emily Edenshaw. The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a non-profit organization and was created in 1987 after a unanimous vote of the Alaska Federation of Natives. 

The heritage center provides a place for sharing, preserving – and most importantly – education

The Gathering Place is in the center after entering the building. This is where a stage is designed for performance, demonstrations and storytelling as they are scheduled throughout the day. 

The upstage center features a colorized topographic map of Alaska’s five major culture groups. The Hall of Cultures is closed due to renovation but is expected to  reopen June 16. The Hall of Culture features exhibitions that change regularly .

The Indigenous Garden overlooks Lake Tiulana. Tents are provided for local artists to showcase their art for sale. All profits from sales go directly to the artist. 

Tour guide Sakkaaluk and an Intern Markell introduce themselves in their native language while directing a tour group through the village sites. Each speech provided by the group leaders was followed by questions. 

Standing 20-feet-tall was the first healing totem pole in remembrance of  boarding school attendees, survivors and descendants. 

The Talking Circle is a seating area overlooking garden plots and creates a healing space for the multiple generations affected by U.S boarding schools. 

Along the path toward the southeast village setting, visitors can find petroglyphs – images carved into stone with several infographics along the way to educate visitors. 

Sakkaaluk explained to his group the different types of dwellings throughout the village site. At each dwelling items are passed around to view the craft and tools that were used. 

When visitors view each site they will see how the diverse land influences the way of living – recognizing the similarities yet differences in heritage and culture throughout Alaska and the importance of appreciation for the seasons. 

Gathering of valuable information and educating the public on Alaska Native cultures is shown throughout the center’s entirety. As a collaborative effort by both guide and intern, this educational topic is valued and respected. 

Gray whale exhibits and whale bones are found  about halfway through touring the village sites. Circling back around the lake, heading towards the Village Circle where the tour began, there were a few more stops to view before ending at the Athabascan Village site where the fish rack and fish smoke house is located. 

Fish smoking  took place at the Athabascan Village site. As the tour ended at the artist tent.  The chance of watching Alaska Native Dancers or sports Demonstration taking place at The Gathering Place. 

Cafe’ Di’eshchin - Dena’ina Athabascan word “I’m hungry,” offers an option of coffee or a sweet treat with an outdoor area for seating. 

Donations are accepted online or at a donating location on site. All donations support the mission of Alaska Native Heritage Center. A variety of sponsorships are also available to show support. These actions help revitalize language and support all generations of Alaska Native communities.

Touring the Alaska Native Heritage Center offers abundant educational opportunities for all and is open year round. Touring times may vary as exhibits open.  

Ticketing and Information can be found at the entrance of the building or online.

Click here for more photos from The Northern Light about the grand opening.