The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a gathering place that celebrates, perpetuates and shares Alaska Native cultures. Since opening in 1999, the Center has become Alaska’s premier interactive cultural destination.
An educational and cultural institution for all Alaskans, the Alaska Native Heritage Center provides programs in both academic and informal settings, including workshops, demonstrations, and guided tours of indoor exhibits and outdoor village sites.
Local residents and visitors to Alaska are introduced to Native traditions and customs of both the past and present. The Welcome House is a celebration of contemporary Alaska Native cultures while the outdoor facilities and sites allow the exploration of ancient tradition and the presentation of stories from the past.
Our Center provides a unique opportunity to experience Alaska’s many diverse Native cultures at one location.
A brief history : In 1987, the Alaska Federation of Natives, the state’s largest Native organization, responded to the need for a community gathering place by unanimously approving the concept to establish a statewide Native culture center. The Alaska Native Heritage Center was formed a year and a half later as an independent non-profit organization with tax exempt status.
Who made it happen : The Center is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors, whose membership is drawn from Alaska Native corporations and civic and business groups ; the majority of whom are Alaska Natives. A 30-member Academy comprised of Elders and Tradition Bearers was formed to help guide the Heritage Center staff in program and building design.
In facilitating the transmission of Alaska Native knowledge, heritage and tradition, the Center promotes self-esteem and pride among Alaska Natives. The Alaska Native Heritage Center improves understanding among all Alaskans and encourages appreciation of Alaska Native people and their traditions, history, and contributions to Alaska.
A Gathering Place for All :
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is an exciting place where all people can come to expand their understanding of Alaska’s first people. Here we share the rich heritage of Alaska’s eleven cultural groups - drawing upon the lifeways of long ago, the wisdom of our elders, and the traditions that endure. The encounter is designed to enhance self-esteem among Native people and to encourage cross-cultural exchanges among all people.
SCHOOL VISIT PROGRAM
ANHC’s School Visit Program offers students a unique opportunity to explore, in a traditional setting, the past and present of Alaska’s first people. Students work directly with artists, performers, Elders and tradition-bearers to learn about Alaska’s indigenous cultures.
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CULTURAL AWARENESS WORKSHOPS
ANHC’s two-day Cultural Awareness Workshops are designed for individuals, organizations, businesses and agencies wishing to learn more about Alaska Native Cultures. With better understanding participants will be able to better serve their clients and employees and help promote racial harmony among Alaskan citizens.
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CULTURAL OUTREACH PROGRAM
Bring the Center to your school ! Choose from two exciting school assemblies : My Spirit Raised Its Hands : The Story of Elizabeth Peratrovich or Shevela : A Rainbow of Alaska Native Cultures.
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Contact
Alaska Native Heritage Center
8800 Heritage Center Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99506
or call us
(907) 330-8000 - Phone
(800) 315-6608 - Toll Free
(907) 330-8030 - Fax
Web : www.alaskanative.net
Email : info@alaskanative.net
Alaska Native Heritage Center is located in Anchorage, Alaska. Please feel free to contact any of our staff if you have any questions about the Center.