Alaska’s Native People

Earlier this afternoon, I visited the Alaska Native Heritage Center which celebrates the eleven distinct cultures of Alaska’s Native people.  The fascinating exhibits combined artwork and historical displays that describe how these people adapted their way of life to the unique geography of where they lived.  I learned that the Unangax and Alutiiq people of the Aleutian Islands adopted some of the culinary and religious traditions of Russia, while the Inupiaq and St. Lawrence Island Yupik people successfully turned the inhospitable climate of Northern Alaska into a place where they could thrive.  The exquisitely crafted baskets (such as the micro-basket in the picture above) and distinctive, stylized animal paintings reflect the values and rich history of these cultures.  Outside, there were six reconstructed Native buildings that represent the eleven major groups.  In the summer months, each dwelling has a cultural host who shares stories of their people.  For more information, visit their website at http://www.alaskanative.net

• Alaska Native Heritage Center
• Alutiiq
• Inupiaq
• Unangax