Birch bark texture.

Ahtna Kanas Fall 2017

November is Month to Celebrate Our Heritage

November is Alaska Native Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions and histories of Alaska’s First People and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people.

Photo of Alaska Native Woman

Heritage Month is an opportunity to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which Native citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.

“We value and respect the continuity of Alaska’s different heritages through the cultivation of traditional languages, cultural traditions, oral narratives, the arts and subsistence lifestyles, and we honor the important work of Elders and culture-bearers who share the knowledge of the past with Alaska’s youth and work to preserve that heritage for the future,” Gov. Bill Walker said last year as he signed a proclamation declaring November Alaska Native Heritage Month.

The month dates back to 1990 when President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 as “National American Indian Heritage Month.”

Scheduled Events

The Alaska Native Cultures Club of Mat-Su College 3rd annual Heyi Niltu, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 7, Glenn Massay Theater, 8295 College Drive, Palmer.

Village Vogue Fashion Show, Nov. 11, Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage.

For other events, check the Alaska Native Heritage Month Facebook page.