Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day! Since moving to Alaska in 2014, I’ve been fortunate to explore a number of areas around the state that are dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Alaska’s indigenous cultures. Whether you’re living in Alaska, just visiting, or planning a trip for the future, here are some suggestions for ways to learn more about Alaskan Natives!
Seek Out Museums & Cultural Centers
Cultural centers and museums are probably the easiest way to learn more about Alaskan Native culture, and there are so many options! Below is a list of some of my favorites around the state, along with Alaskan Native events throughout the year:
Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage
Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage
Museum of the North in Fairbanks
Sealaska Heritage Institute in Juneau
Travel Alaska Guide to Culture
Support Local Artists & Authors
From Saturday farmer’s markets to huge holiday bazaars and local galleries, there are so many artists and authors sharing their tales and talents. Some are more traditional and others are more contemporary- a little something to fit everyone’s individual style! One of my favorite pieces of Native Alaskan art that I have hanging in my own home is a pair of carved soapstone masks I found at the Spenard Farmer’s Market one year. If you’re shopping for gifts or souvenirs, art and books are a great option!
Check Out a Culture Camp or Take a Class
Right after my first year of teaching, I attend a culture camp in Sand Point thanks to the Alaska Humanities Forum. It was an incredible experience, and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity so early in my teaching career. There are often culture camps run throughout the state in the summer, or the University of Alaska has Native Alaskan classes included in its various departments. I took a basketry class from an amazing teacher through University of Alaska southeast in the spring of 2020 and even over Zoom, it was still great! If travel isn’t an option, you may just need to get a bit more creative.
Dig Afognak Culture Camp-A teacher’s perspective
Spend Time at National Park Sites or Hike
National Park sites almost always pay homage to geographic Native traditions, and below are a few great examples that you can explore in Alaska! From totem poles in Sitka to village sites in Katmai, there’s a lot of history to be discovered. And the Chilkoot Trail in Skagway? It started as a Tlingit trade route!
Sitka National Historical Park
Katmai National Park Cultural Site Exhibit
Attend an Art Institute or Conference
This one is mostly for my fellow teachers! Many artistic organizations in Alaska will tie Native Alaskan culture into their studies, and there are various programs found throughout the state, especially if you’re an educator. The Alaska Humanities Forum made my trip to Sand Point possible, and it’s thanks to the Alaska Art Education Consortium that I got to explore cultures in Sitka and Nome. For the Art Education Association Conference in Kodiak in 2015, I spent quite a bit of time exploring the Aluutiq Museum, and our keynote speaker was Alvin Amason, an Alaskan Native artist. As a teacher always looking for ways to travel, I love tying together professional development and opportunities to explore new places!
Alaska Humanities Forum Programs
From Nome to Skagway, Katmai to Fairbanks, Sitka to Anchorage, there are so many ways to learn about and experience Alaska’s Indigenous Cultures. What are some of the best representations of indigenous culture you’ve come across while traveling?