Summer Season Programming Descriptions
The Gathering Place is center stage for Alaska Native dance performances, compelling Native Games demonstrations, intriguing storytelling and informative presentations. Visitors are invited to participate, learn, and experience the living traditions of Alaska’s Indigenous peoples in this vibrant space. Our engaging and interactive summer programming will make your visit unforgettable.
ANHC Overview
Occurs daily during ANHC's summer season at 9:15AM, 11:15AM, 1:15PM, & 4:15PM.
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is much more than a museum, it is a statewide cultural and education center built by and for Alaska Native peoples. During the ANHC Overview, a staff member will share our mission and highlight our year-round programs such as Master Artist classes, internships, apprenticeships, workshops and culturally grounded healing services that support Alaska Native peoples of all ages across the state. Learn how ANHC preserves and strengthens the traditions, languages, and art of Alaska’s Native People through statewide collaboration, celebration, and education.
Intro to Alaska Native Cultures
Occurs daily during ANHC's summer season at 9:30AM, 11:30AM, 1:30PM, & 2:30PM.
During the Intro to Alaska Native Cultures, a Culture Bearer will present a brief overview of Alaska's various regions using the large colorful map displayed on the Gathering Place stage. This visual guide helps visitors to understand the geographic locations of the Alaska Native culture groups they will explore more deeply during the guided tours of ANHC's Village Sites. This introduction will provide valuable context for your visit.
Alaska Native Games: Power, Balance, & Focus
Occurs daily during ANHC's summer season at 10AM, 12PM, & 3PM.
Watch thrilling demonstrations of traditional Alaska Native Games by ANHC athletes showcasing strength, agility, endurance, and skill. Learn about the history and cultural significance of these games, and how they are still played today in competitions like the Native Youth Olympics and the Arctic Winter Games. Featured games include the One- and Two-Foot-High Kick, One Hand Reach, Seal Hop, Stick Pull, Scissor Broad Jump and others. Experience the power, balance, and focus these games require, and discover how they connect Alaska Native communities to tradition.
Alaska Native Dance: Heart & Celebration
Occurs daily during ANHC's summer season at 10:30AM, 12:30PM, & 3:30PM.
Watch Alaska Native Dance performances by ANHC's own youth dance group or special guest groups, depending on the day. Originally formed in the early 2000s through ANHC's high school afterschool program, our dance group is made up of Alaska Native youth representing several of the cultural groups in Alaska. United by their love of singing and dancing, they share timeless ancestral stories. During each performance, dancers explain the meaning behind the songs, the symbolism of the dance movements, and the regalia worn. Through watching Alaska Native Dance, visitors will feel the heartbeat of Alaska's Indigenous peoples.
Cultural Presentation
Occurs daily during ANHC's summer season at 2PM.
Our Cultural Presentations change daily throughout the summer season. Alaska Native Culture Bearers share a variety of presentations, including storytelling, language lessons, Alaska Native art practices, regalia, and more. Discover everything from traditional Alaska Native practices to contemporary Indigenous methodologies.
