The crisp air bites with a playful intensity, the landscape shimmers under a blanket of pristine snow, and the spirit of community warms the heart against the backdrop of the Alaskan winter. It’s a season of long nights, but also of vibrant traditions, shared stories, and the enduring strength of Alaska Native culture. Each year, the Alaskan Native Heritage Center (ANHC) transforms into a hub of activity, inviting people from all backgrounds to experience the richness and diversity of Alaska’s indigenous people.
A Cultural Tapestry Woven in Snow
On December 18th, the ANHC opens its doors for a day-long Greetings from the Great White North: Winter celebrations heat up chilly nights event, a celebration of culture that runs from 10 am to 5 pm. This isn’t just a passive observation; it’s an invitation to participate, to learn, and to connect with the living heritage of Alaska Native communities. The event offers a carefully curated program designed to be both entertaining and educational, showcasing traditional and contemporary aspects of Alaska Native life.
Imagine stepping onto the snow-covered grounds, the air filled with anticipation and the rhythmic beat of drums. You are immediately immersed in a world where storytelling, dance, and games aren’t just pastimes, but vital tools for teaching, connecting, and preserving cultural knowledge. These activities, traditionally shared within the warmth of a crowded community house during the long winter months, serve as a physical outlet and a powerful way to impart essential life lessons to the younger generation.
Outdoor Adventures and Friendly Competition
The Alaskan winter landscape becomes a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The ANHC offers opportunities to embrace the season with activities like snowshoeing, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of the surroundings while engaging in a traditional mode of transportation. A snowman-building contest sparks creativity and friendly competition, transforming the snowy expanse into a landscape of whimsical creations. And for those with a competitive spirit, a winter basketball game provides a chance to test their skills and embrace the energy of the season.
These outdoor activities, while offering fun and recreation, also serve as a reminder of the resourcefulness and resilience of Alaska Native people, who have thrived in this challenging environment for centuries. The ability to navigate the snow-covered terrain, to build shelter, and to find sustenance are skills passed down through generations, reflecting a deep understanding of the natural world.
Dance: A Language of Movement and Meaning
The Winter Celebration features captivating performances by the Kicaput Dancers and the Fireweed Dancers, two groups that embody the dynamism and artistry of Alaska Native dance.
The Kicaput Dancers, an Anchorage-based group formed in 1993, draw their inspiration from the Yup’ik and Cup’ik traditions. Their name, "Kicaput," meaning "our anchor" in the Yup’ik language, reflects their commitment to preserving and sharing the cultural heritage of their ancestors. Their performances are more than just entertainment; they are a powerful expression of identity, history, and the enduring spirit of the Yup’ik and Cup’ik people. Through their movements, songs, and regalia, they transport audiences to the heart of the Alaskan tundra, sharing stories of resilience, connection to the land, and the importance of community.
The Fireweed Dancers, a more recent group formed in 2003, represent the diversity and dynamism of Alaska’s youth. Comprised of dancers aged 14 to 17 from across the state, they learn and perform songs from various regions of Alaska, showcasing the breadth of Alaska Native cultures. But their commitment to tradition doesn’t stop there. The Fireweed Dancers also create their own songs, regalia, drums, and dance fans, demonstrating their creativity and their dedication to carrying on the legacy of their ancestors while adding their own unique voice. The Fireweed Dancers represents the Greetings from the Great White North: Winter celebrations heat up chilly nights event by bringing in all regions of Alaska.
Sharing Stories and Traditions
The Winter Celebration also provides opportunities to learn directly from Alaska Native elders and knowledge keepers. Peter Zaukar Sr., whose Native name is Akalria, meaning "rolls" or "to be rolled," shares his extensive knowledge of traditional trapping techniques. Growing up in a one-room log cabin and learning to trap at the age of 14, Zaukar embodies a life deeply connected to the land. He recounts stories of his upbringing, demonstrates different types of traps, and explains the importance of trapping for sustenance and cultural preservation. His presentation offers a glimpse into a way of life that has sustained Alaska Native communities for generations, highlighting the ingenuity and resourcefulness required to thrive in the harsh Alaskan environment.
Matthew Nicolai, born in Bethel and raised in the village of Kwethluk, shares the art of string stories, a traditional form of storytelling that uses intricate patterns created with string to illustrate narratives and convey cultural knowledge. Nicolai’s presentation offers a unique window into the rich oral traditions of Alaska Native communities, where stories are not just entertainment, but vital tools for transmitting history, values, and beliefs from one generation to the next.
Preparing for the Winter Season
The American Red Cross provides a crucial presentation on safe winter travel, avalanche survival, and national preparedness and response. This presentation highlights the importance of safety and preparedness in the Alaskan winter environment, offering practical advice and valuable skills that can help visitors and residents alike navigate the challenges of the season.
Immersing Yourself in Language, Art, and Dance
The ANHC offers ongoing Cultural Education Programs sponsored by the CIRI Foundation, providing opportunities to delve deeper into Alaska Native language, art, and dance. Classes are held each Saturday and run for several weeks. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Haida, Dena’ina Athabascan, and Inupiaq languages, learning basic vocabulary and gaining an appreciation for the nuances of these unique linguistic traditions. Art classes offer hands-on experience in creating Eskimo doll ornaments and Athabascan beading, allowing participants to learn traditional techniques and create their own unique pieces of art. Dance classes offer an opportunity to learn the movements and rhythms of Southeast Alaska Native dance, guided by experienced instructors.
These classes offer a valuable opportunity to learn about Alaska Native culture in an immersive and engaging way, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the traditions and artistry of Alaska’s indigenous people.
A Journey Through Recreated Villages
No visit to the ANHC is complete without experiencing the five recreated village sites, each representing the traditional structures of a typical village before or shortly after contact with non-Native cultures. Knowledgeable tour guides share the history, culture, and traditions of each site, providing a fascinating glimpse into the diverse lifeways of Alaska Native communities. Walking through these recreated villages, visitors can gain a sense of the ingenuity, adaptability, and deep connection to the land that has characterized Alaska Native cultures for millennia.
The Greetings from the Great White North: Winter celebrations heat up chilly nights event and the ANHC in general, provides a unique and valuable opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of Alaska Native culture. It’s a chance to learn, to connect, and to celebrate the enduring spirit of the Great White North.