Alaska is home to a diverse range of indigenous cultures with 229 federally recognized tribes across the state. When planning an Alaska vacation, learn more about Alaska's 11 Distinct Native Cultures gives travelers a better understanding and appreciation of those who have inhabited the earth for 10,000 years.
And while each tribe has thousands of years of traditions and stories to tell, their cultures aren't just found in the state's museums and cultural centers. They remain a living, breathing part of every community, with Alaska Native-owned operators, tours and experiences awaiting travelers across the state.
MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL CENTERS
More than 60 museums and cultural centers across the state provide an excellent overview of the history of Alaska Native people through one-of-a-kind exhibits. Here are some examples of museums and cultural centers that travelers can add to their Alaska itineraries.
- Take a tour of life-size village sites, watch Alaska Native dance performances and games, listen to Alaska Native stories, watch films and visit exhibits at Alaska Native Heritage Center In Anchoring.
- Visit the Anchorage Museum and visit its exhibitions “Living our cultures, sharing our heritage” and “Alaska”. Or visit Alaska State Museum In Juneau.
- Visit the Sealaska Heritage Institute In Juneau for Southeast Alaska cultural exhibits, artwork, and a Tsimshian cedar clan house.
- Admire a priceless collection of some of the world's oldest totem poles at Totem Heritage Center In Ketchikan.
- Participate in workshops on topics including Alaska Native art, woodworking, weaving, singing and dancing, and more at Glacier BayIt is Huna tribal house.
- Learn about the Alutiiq/Sugpiaq people of Alaska, their art, their livelihood and their language at Alutiiq Museum and archaeological deposit of Kodiak.
- Explore interior Alaska through exhibits, films, performances and events at Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center In Fairbanks.
- Learn about the Iñupiaq people of Alaska at Inupiat Heritage Center In UtqiagvikTHE Northwest Arctic Heritage Center In Kotzebue and the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum In No me.
VISITS AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
To better understand modern Alaska Native culture, tours and cultural experiences providing travelers with unique and immersive opportunities to connect with Alaska Native people and stories. Here are some examples of Alaska Native-owned tours and experiences available across the state.
- While touring Cape Fox at Ketchikanadmire totem poles, watch Alaska Native carvers using traditional tools and techniques, and watch Alaska Native dance performances at the Saxman Native Village in southeast Alaska.
- Explore Ketchikan and meet Alaska Native artists alongside Where the Eagle Walks owner Joe Williams, the first Tlingit person to be elected mayor of the borough of Ketchikan and mayor of the town of Saxman.
- Embark on a historical tour Sitkavisit Sitka National Historical Parkand watch a traditional Tlingit dance performance at a community house with Sitka Tribal Tours.
- Property of Alutiiq/Sugpiaq people who lived Kodiak Island for over 7,000 years, admire the magnificent Alaskan wilderness at the Kodiak Brown Bear Center & Lodge.
- In Utqiagvikexperience first-hand the lifestyles of Alaska's inhabitants Inupiaq Peoples visiting the village with a local host on a day or overnight tour with Northern Alaska Tour Company or Tundra Tours.
- On board many cruise ships in Glacier Bay or at Glacier Bay Lodge, enjoy interpretive and educational programs such as lectures, storytelling, singing, and traditional art exhibits through Huna Totem Corporation's Alaska Native Voices program.
- Discover more Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures on a tour of Alaska Native towns, villages and rural communities through Alaskan Dream Cruises.
- Support the greatest Tlingit village of Hoonah with cruises that stopover Ice Strait Pointan Alaska Native owned and operated destination offering cultural storytelling and dance performances, cooking classes, wildlife viewing tours and other adventures.
These are just a few of the many ways to experience Alaska's diverse Native cultures. Learn more about Alaska Nativesand order one Alaska Vacation Planner to make the most of your visit.
