Mission Moment:

The Interns Who Make It All Possible

Every summer at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska Native youth step into the role of culture bearers, educators, and ambassadors for their own peoples. They lead you through the Village Sites, perform on the Gathering Place stage, and share traditions that have been carried across generations. The ANHC Cultural Tourism Interns are at the heart of everything we do. This summer, we have over 20 interns representing communities across Alaska.

We sat down with two of them to hear what this experience means in their own words. Jackson Gregorie is Sugpiaq, with family from Afognak, and is enrolled in CIRI and the Ninilchik Traditional Council. Now in his third season at ANHC, Jackson came back for reasons that go deeper than a summer job.

"I wanted to come back because it makes me feel more connected to my culture — and I've learned so much about cultures all around Alaska, and even anthropology."

He's also found community through traditional games, connecting with people from across the state through NYO — something he's been doing for about a year now. For Jackson, one of this summer's most meaningful moments came from watching the next generation step into their own.

"Seeing the kids doing fish camp made me really happy. It makes me proud to see our culture being passed on and celebrated."

Emily Macen Andrews is Yupik and Cupig, from Kipnuk and Nunivak Island, enrolled in CIRI and Calista. Her Indigenous name, Macen, means sunshine in Yugtun — and it shows in how she describes this experience.

"Being part of the internship program makes me appreciate my culture and my family. I have learned our history, art, and games. I have gained confidence talking about my background."

Emily is a first-season intern, and already she's clear about why this work matters.

"I have learned the importance of preserving our traditions. I take pride in where I come from, and I want future generations to feel as empowered as I do." One moment stood out above the rest: dancing for the first time. "Maqurruyuk and Kipnuk don't dance much — and I am happy to."

It's the kind of moment that reminds us what this program is really for.

Since 2002, ANHC's Cultural Tourism Internship Program has served over 1,000 Alaska Native youth. Many return season after season. Many go on to become full-time staff, program managers, and community leaders. ANHC's own President & CEO, Kelsey Ciugun Wallace, is a proud alumna of the program.

The program's impact reaches far beyond the summer, and it doesn't happen without your support. When you visit ANHC, donate to our mission, or share our work with others, you are investing directly in Alaska Native youth like Jackson and Emily.