Who were the first peoples to succeed in Alaska’s often cruel environment? Anthropologists assert that the ancestors of Alaska Natives were the first persons to migrate to the state by crossing the Bering land bridge that connected Siberia and what is now Alaska thousands of years ago. Today, Native Alaskans are divided into several groups throughout the state, from the Athabascans of the interior, the Tlingits and Haidas of the southeast coast, the Aleuts, Alutiiqs, and Eyaks, to two groups of the well-known Eskimos: Inupiat and Yup’ik. By visiting Native attractions in Anchorage, visitors can dispel the long-held myths held about Alaska Natives, from rubbing noses to igloos.

Located on the Glenn Highway, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is arguably North America’s most comprehensive and engaging Native museum. The facility showcases the fascinating heritage of Alaska’s 11 major indigenous groups. Visitors to Anchorage are introduced to a wealth of Native traditions and glean knowledge firsthand through engaging storytellers, authentic Native song and dance, and artist and Native Games demonstrations. Opportunities for visitors to interact and participate create an enlightening educational experience for guests. The center also has an optional Native craft-making class series taught by local indigenous craftsman at an additional charge. Offerings include twining a small Tlignit cedar basket and creating a Haida cedar hat.

The Anchorage Museum of History and Art is a renowned museum located in the center of Anchorage that houses a permanent collection with more than 17,500 objects, 2,000 artifacts and 350,000 historical photographs, providing a generous documentation of the culture and history of this varied state. Traditional village dwellings of Alaska’s Aleuts, Eskimos and Indians, along with authentic items, are displayed. The Museum Shop has been voted by the readers of the Anchorage Daily News as one of the best places to buy Alaska Native art and crafts. Admission is nominal and free for guests who are 17 and under.

Shopping for Alaska Native Art

Arts and crafts made by Native Alaskans are striking and distinct reminders of a fruitful trip to Alaska. Native-created work is featured in several Anchorage art galleries, as well as in museums and cultural centers throughout the city. By knowing what to seek in authentic Native art, visitors can take home a piece of genuine indigenous Alaskan culture. Below are tips for succeeding when shopping for Native Alaskan art.

· Verify authenticity
The shop or gallery where you purchase items should be able to give you a permit number for the artist. You can confirm a permit number with the Alaska State Council of the Arts at 907/269-6610 or 888/278-7424.

· Read labels
The Federal Trade Commission has enacted strict laws forbidding the fraudulent use of the words Native, American Indian or Native Alaskan.

· Note the materials used
Note the use of finish, for example, whether the piece has a smooth or rough texture. Regardless of whether soapstone, bone or wood is used, the piece should use materials that enhance its design.

· Look for careful craftsmanship
Check for meticulous attention for details. Stitching should be made carefully and carving should be designed artistically.

· Look for authenticity symbols
While the legitimacy of labels varies, two good ones are the silver hand emblem and the phrase “AUTHENTIC NATIVE HANDICRAFT FROM ALASKA.” The “MADE IN ALASKA” symbol, however, simply denotes the piece was made in the state, not necessarily by a Native artist.

· Check the legality of materials
Products used to create the piece should be legally sourced and legal to own. For example, the use of feathers, such as pheasant feathers on a mask, must comply with the Migratory Bird Act. Eagle feathers, on the other hand, are contraband.

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All images via anchorage.net