Alaska Native Culture Itinerary: Southcentral Region
Anchorage: A Whole Lot of Alaska Native Culture in One Place
Anchorage: A Whole Lot of Alaska Native Culture in One Place
About the Author: Samantha Phillips is Tlingit - Kaagwaantaan, Eagle/Brown Bear of Klukwan and grew up in Yakutat. As a young woman she learned of her Tlingit grandmother’s suffering of severe discrimination and mistreatment while attending a residential boarding school. Publicly speaking out about what her grandmother endured served as a powerful lesson to Samantha that Indigenous voices need to be heard. By focusing on making a difference, she has passionately poured her storytelling abilities into various writing pursuits. When she is not writing in her current home in Madison, Alabama, Samantha can be found making memories with her life’s work—her six children.
The Alaska Natives of the Southcentral region of Alaska are predominantly Athabascan. To experience Athabascan culture, consider visiting Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. Anchorage sits on the traditional homelands of the Dena'ina Athabascan people, known as Dena'ina Ełnena. As a major Alaska hub, you'll find opportunities to learn not only about Athabascan culture, but about various Indigenous groups from across the state as well.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a treasure trove of information about Alaska's diverse cultures, including (but not limited to) the Dena'ina. Here, you can take a private tour through six life-sized, authentic dwellings representing different Alaska Native groups. Nestled around scenic Lake Tiulana, these dwellings offer a glimpse into traditional lifeways, guided by knowledgeable cultural experts.
Imagine strolling through a Dena'ina log home, a Yup'ik/Cup'ik Qasgiq, or an Iñupiaq/St. Lawrence Island Yupik Qargi. The Alaska Native Heritage Center brings these cultural spaces to life, showcasing the tools, belongings, and architectural styles unique to each group. A newly updated Hall of Cultures provides even more depth, with rotating exhibits delving into the five major cultural groups of Alaska. So, whether you're interested in the Dena'ina people or eager to explore a broader tapestry, Anchorage offers a captivating journey into Alaska Native culture.
Cultural Events
All throughout the year, there are cultural events held in Anchorage that visitors can take part in.
Fur Rondy
Fur Rondy, typically held in late February/early March, is an iconic festival that honors Alaska's rich Indigenous heritage. Witness traditions passed down for generations, like the thrilling Blanket Toss, where you can either soar through the air on a walrus skin or join the tossing crew!
Immerse yourself further in Alaska Native artistry at The Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market. Here, you'll discover a stunning array of handcrafted pieces, from intricate showpieces to everyday items reflecting traditional ways of life. Browse creations from talented artists across the state and take home a piece of Alaska's cultural heritage.
Native Youth Olympics
Travel to Anchorage in late April to attend the Native Youth Olympics (NYO Games). This unique event honors Alaska Native traditions by showcasing the skills honed by past generations for survival in the harsh Alaskan environment. The NYO Games aren't just a competition; they're a celebration of heritage. Watch young athletes compete in events like the Eskimo Stick Pull, a test of strength mimicking the way hunters would haul in prey. Witness the incredible agility and jumping power displayed in the Knee Jump and other traditional contests. But the NYO Games are about more than winning. Here, sportsmanship reigns supreme. Athletes often encourage and help their competitors, reflecting the value of community that is and has been central to Alaska Native life.
Alaska Federation of Natives
Every year in mid-October, Anchorage transforms into a vibrant epicenter of Alaska Native culture during the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Convention. This free, public event is the largest gathering of its kind in Alaska and the entire nation. Here, you can witness the lifeblood of Alaska Native communities – traditional dances and music. These cultural expressions, passed down through generations, connect people to their rich heritage and ensure the distinct identities of Alaska Native groups continue to thrive.
The convention's "Quyana Alaska" program exemplifies this commitment to cultural preservation. Launched in 1982, it began as a way to express gratitude ("Quyana" means "thank you" in Yup'ik) for statewide support of Indigenous subsistence rights. Over the years, Quyana Alaska has blossomed into a two-night celebration showcasing over 200 dance groups from across Alaska. This program has sparked a cultural revival in rural areas and become a beloved highlight of the AFN Convention.
Anchorage offers a unique opportunity to delve into our intriguing Alaska Native cultures. From immersive experiences at the Alaska Native Heritage Center to the electrifying energy of the AFN Convention, a visit to Anchorage allows you to witness traditions passed down for generations. May this exploration of Southcentral Alaska in an urban setting bring insight and connection to our incredible Indigenous people.
New! Alaska Native Culture Guide
Immerse yourself in Alaska Native heritage and learn how to experience the living culture of the state's Indigenous peoples.