Posted by Nancy D. Brown

What images come to mind when I mention Alaska? California’s fourth grade school children will shout with glee, “husky sled dogs and the Iditarod Sled Dog Race” because they study this exciting event in a living history segment. Active adults may think of cruise ships, glaciers, whales and eagles, while teenagers might have seen YouTube video of grizzly bear and moose attacks on film.

After my visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, I think of the indigenous people; specifically the Athabascan people living in Interior Alaska, along major rivers. From the Brooks Mountain range to the Kenai Peninsula, the Athabascan people represent eleven linguistic groups, each striving to maintain their ancient traditions, while assimilating modern ways.

• Athabascan
• Aleut and Alutiiq
• Yup’ik and Cup’ik
• Inupiaq and St. Lawrence Island Yupik
• Eyak, Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is designed for visitors to Anchorage, Alaska, yet it is a positive way for local native residents to share their living history. It’s also a great place to try Reindeer chili at a reasonably-priced $3.50.

 

 Photos by Nancy D. Brown

Alaska Native Heritage Center 1 (907) 330-8000

8800 Heritage Center Dr
Anchorage, AK 99506-1655

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