ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE CENTER HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM 2010-2011

Students choose from a variety of courses that are based on Alaska Native cultures. Our teaching staff instructs and coordinates guest instructors who share their knowledge, skills and abilities. This program provides a safe after-school environment, a chance to interact with peers from other schools and to learn from positive role models. Most of all, this is an opportunity to have FUN while learning!

Program Details:
• Cost is FREE. Made possible by funding through a grant from the US Department of Education, Alaska Native Education Program.
• ANHC can provide transportation from ASD High Schools to the Center. Pick-up at each high school is 2:00 - 2:25 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.  We drop students off at their homes or at an agreed upon location.
• Students can earn .5 (1/2) ASD elective credits after attending 120 hours, completing projects with ANHC instructor approval and completing ASD forms.
• Program includes a free snack.
• ANHC will cancel this program on days when driving conditions are poor and transportation of students is not considered safe.  ANHC will attempt to make this decision by 12:00 p.m. and contact high schools to make an announcement.

Program Schedule:
October 5, 2010 - April 20, 2011
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
NOTE: This program is NOT available on days during ASD school closures. Please check the ASD school calendar for those dates. 

 
Class Choices:

Alaska Native Dance Classes
Students learn traditional and contemporary methods of drumming, dancing and singing from every major culture group of Alaska. Some students are hired to perform with the well-respected and highly professional Alaska Native Heritage Center Dancers.  The class will be under the direction of Marcella Foster (Tsimshian/Haida) and Ed Tiulana.  Flyer

Alaska Native Art Classes
Students focus on practicing traditional Native art, while exploring contemporary methods. Students work with Alaska Native artists who share art forms from their Native cultures.  Students may keep their completed projects. The Alaska Native Heritage Center’s High School Art Class is under the direction of Beckie Etukeok (Inupiaq/Siberian Yupik/Tlingit).  Flyer

Encourage Leadership Classes
Students develop an appreciation for various leadership styles while learning to appreciate their own leadership potential. Students meet a number of visiting Alaskan leaders who speak about their particular situation and ways for students to develop their own potential.
Students plan and deliver workshops for local youth and design and host a national youth conference in the spring. This class is under the direction of Bob Harty (Gaelic Celt) and Caleb Bourgeois (Mohawk/Cherokee). 

Communication Through Technology Classes
Students learn the theories and applications of print and state-of-the-art video production. They become familiar with intermediate and advanced computer operations and improve skills in reading and writing. Students take field trips and learn from guest instructors.  Student's work is showcased in a variety of settings including film festivals and local musuems.  The Alaska Native Heritage Center’s High School Technology Class is under the direction of Kelly Gwynn.  Flyer

Alaska Native Games
Students in the Native Games Class will learn traditional Native Games that have been done for thousands of years, and are continued today. These games test skills in balance, strength, endurance, stamina, endurance to pain, and concentration. Students will participate, and compete in the Anchorage Native Youth Olympic Preliminaries, and those who make it to the state level will compete and represent Anchorage, or their respective area or region. In the class we teach physical fitness and stretching to prevent injury. Respect and sportsmanship are experiences students will receive during their time in class. Students may have the opportunity to demonstrate at the Alaska Native Heritage Center and also compete at the World Eskimo Indian Olympics. The Alaska Native Heritage Center’s High School Native Games Class is under the direction of Casey Ferguson.  Flyer

Performing Arts
Students learn skills associated with the creation and performance of Native Theater, including acting, storytelling and presentation techniques, improvisation and playwriting. Students work with staff and guest instructors to create a performance to be included in ANHC’s annual Native Theater Festival.

HOW TO REGISTER
Students and parents apply by downloading the application packet.  Application packets are also available at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Space is limited, so submit your enrollment form today!  Completed enrollment forms for the High School Program should be dropped off at the center or mailed to Alaska Native Heritage Center, Attn:HSP,                            8800 Heritage Center Drive, Anchorage, AK 99504.

The High School Program is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education.

Winner of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities Coming up Taller Award!

Art Classes

Media Production

Native Games