ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) has officially launched Phase Two of its $25 million Capital Campaign, marking a major milestone with the renovation of its Theater and Crossroads. This phase builds on the transformational upgrades completed in 2024 to ANHC’s Gathering Place and Hall of Cultures, continuing a bold reinvestment in spaces that center Alaska Native voices, ceremony, creativity, and community.

Phase Two will reimagine ANHC’s Theater as an immersive, Indigenous-centered space designed to elevate the work of Indigenous media creators and support expanded, dynamic programming. Planned upgrades include new flooring and lighting, the installation of interior walls, and critical enhancements that deepen the sensory and storytelling experience for audiences. With a project budget of $600,000, the renovation is made possible through a generous grant from the Murdock Trust. ANHC is partnering with Lakeview Construction and MCG Explore Design to bring this vision to life.

“Rooted in the Alaska Native value of Take Care of Others, this renovation honors our responsibility to care for both place and people,” said Kelsey Ciugun Wallace, President and CEO of ANHC. “By transforming our Theater into an immersive, Indigenous-centered space, ANHC continues to lead cultural tourism in Alaska, creating spaces to tell our stories and elevate the brilliance of our cultures, peoples, and places. Through this work, we are intentionally creating environments that inspire connection and affirm the strength of thriving Alaska Native cultures."

Construction began Monday, February 2, 2026, and is expected to conclude in mid-March. During this period, the theater and crossroads will be closed to the public. ANHC will remain open for most of the construction period, with a brief closure February 2-4, 2026.

While construction is underway, visitors should enter through the main entrance and proceed to the outdoor deck by Café Di’eshchin. From there, guests will follow the building’s exterior to access the Village Sites and enter the Hall of Cultures through the outdoor entrance near the Mabel Pike Education Center. The Ch’k’iqadi Gallery will remain open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Program participants for classes and other offerings should inquire with their point of contact within the organization for any location changes.

Upon completion of Phase Two, ANHC will advance to Phase Three of its Capital Campaign, introducing two transformative additions to the campus: a $3.5 million Community Healing Garden, funded by the Mellon Foundation, and a Community Subsistence Kitchen made possible through a $1 million gift from Weidner Apartment Homes.

Together, ANHC’s Capital Campaign is expanding the campus into a vibrant cultural hub, one that supports ceremonies, celebrations, learning, healing, and collaboration while strengthening Alaska Native cultures for generations to come.

To learn more about the Capital Campaign or to get involved as a donor or volunteer, please contact Kelsey Ciugun Wallace at  [email protected].

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About the Alaska Native Heritage Center:
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a nonprofit organization that preserves and strengthens the traditions, languages and arts of Alaska’s Native Peoples through statewide collaboration, celebration and education. To learn more, visit www.alaskanative.net.

Media Contact: Rachel Ruston
Communications & Development Manager
[email protected] | 907-330-8071