Alaska Native Heritage Center

Alaska is a state that is built on the heritage of the indigenous people, and the Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) gives visitors a firsthand look at the culture and history of Alaskans. Located just 10 miles from downtown Anchorage on 26 wooded acres, those who stop by the Center can explore the dancing, singing, arts, and dwellings of Alaska’s Native people.

About the Alaska Native Heritage Center

With a mission of being an educational and cultural institute for all Alaskans, the Alaska Native Heritage Center shares the history and heritage of the 11 main cultural groups of Alaska. This offers a unique experience to learn about the Indigenous cultures of the area, from centuries-old traditions to the contemporary ways they live today.

Visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is open to the public in the summer months, with private tours available from October through May. During the height of the summer season, visitors to the ANHC can enjoy exploring the Native sites along Lake Tiulana, learning Native dances, trying their hand at traditional games, and observing the art of the Native people.

History

The Alaska Native Heritage Center had a long journey to opening its doors. In 1987, the Center was created by unanimous vote for the Alaska Federation of Natives. This vote called for establishing an Alaska Native culture center that could serve all residents and visitors to the state.

Officially incorporated in 1989, the Alaska Native Heritage Center operates as a non-profit organization. It took 10 years before it finally opened to the public in 1999, and it celebrated 20 years of sharing Alaska’s cultural history in 2019.

Interesting Facts

The incredible history and culture to explore at the ANHC are worth the visit. Whether you’re interested in Native history, traditional songs and dance, or the dwellings they lived in to survive the harsh Alaskan climate, visitors can take a step into the past to find a better understanding of Alaska’s history.

• Six recreated Native dwellings are located along Lake Tiulana, with each village site featuring a traditional building and artifacts that the Native people would have used in everyday life.
• The Inupiaq site features whale bones, while other dwellings to explore include a semi-subterranean home and a traditional Southeast Alaska Longhouse.
• The Alaska Native Heritage Center is housed on land that was the Native village of Eklutna in the traditional territory of the Dena’ina Athabascan tribe.
• Cultural Awareness Workshops, educational programs, and community classes all play a major role in the Center’s mission of spreading awareness of Native cultures.

Points of Interest

Alaska’s future is built on its understanding and appreciation of its past, and the Native people of Alaska are celebrated at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Whether you’re looking to educate yourself on Native culture or spend an afternoon exploring Native village sites, a visit to the ANHC offers beautiful scenery and an important message in preserving the culture of the state’s Indigenous people.