Alaska Native Culture Itinerary: Southwest Region

About the Author: Samantha Phillips is Tlingit - Kaagwaantaan, Eagle/Brown Bear of Klukwan and grew up in Yakutat. As a young woman she learned of her Tlingit grandmother’s suffering of severe discrimination and mistreatment while attending a residential boarding school. Publicly speaking out about what her grandmother endured served as a powerful lesson to Samantha that Indigenous voices need to be heard. By focusing on making a difference, she has passionately poured her storytelling abilities into various writing pursuits. When she is not writing in her current home in Madison, Alabama, Samantha can be found making memories with her life’s work—her six children.

Beyond the rugged Alaska coastline and breathtaking glaciers of Southwest Alaska lies a vibrant cultural fabric woven by generations of Alaska Natives. Their stories, traditions, and deep connection to the land echo in every crashing wave, towering mountain peak, and salmon-filled stream. Embark on a journey beyond the typical tourist path and discover the heart of Southwest Alaska – a place where ancient traditions are passed down through generations, where the rhythm of the drumbeat resonates with the pulse of the earth, and where the enduring spirit of the Yup’ik, Cup’ik, Sugpiaq, and Unangax̂ people illuminate the soul of this magnificent region. The following itinerary is a guide to help you discover cultural treasures during your visit to Southwest Alaska. 

First up: Bethel

Yup’ik: Mumtreklohamute, meaning “Smokehouse People”

Bethel, nestled along the banks of the Kuskokwim River in Western Alaska, is the heart of Yup'ik culture. Here, traditions are not relics of the past, but an exuberant and living force that shapes the community. Start at the Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center. This is your one-stop shop for understanding Yup'ik culture. Explore exhibits showcasing traditional tools, clothing, and historical photos. The center also holds cultural events, dance lessons, and houses the Southwest Alaska Arts Group (SWAAG) gift shop with locally-made crafts and souvenirs. During the summer the center holds a Seasonal Saturday Market, making it easy to shop for authentic Yup’ik crafts like baskets, jewelry, and kuspuq while meeting local artisans and sampling local and traditional foods. 

Plan your trip to Bethel in mid-March to attend the Cama-i Dance Festival. The three-day festival highlights Yup'ik dance groups from across Alaska, the Kodiak Alutiiq Dancers, and a host of spell-binding dancers from around our state and special guest dance groups from other states. A celebration of culture, Cama-i Dance Festival resounds with traditional music, arts, and crafts, and a chance to sample delicious Alaska Native foods.

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Next Stop: Kodiak

Alutiiq/Sugpiaq: Qik’rtaq, meaning “Island”

Kodiak Island pulsates with the rich heritage of the Alutiiq/Sugpiaq people. The Alutiiq Museum gives visitors an opportunity to delve into the heart of Alutiiq culture. Explore artifacts like traditional tools, clothing, kayaks, and intricate basketry, offering a glimpse into Suqpiaq ingenuity and their profound connection to their environment. Participate in the free "Alutiiq/Sugpiaq Cultural Orientation" for a broad introduction. If available, take a workshop to learn basket weaving, traditional carving techniques, or the rhythmic movements of Sugpiaq dance. If the Kodiak Alutiiq Dancers happen to be performing during your visit, you are in for a treat. The dancers, adorned in traditional Alutiiq regalia are sure to captivate you! The regalia alone are stunning replicas of what Alutiiq people once wore, such as the snow falling parka and beaded headdresses. 

Take a float plane to the Kodiak Brown Bear Center & Lodge, owned by the Alutiiq people, for an unforgettable 4-8 night stay in the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. There you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty that is home to a few (or a lot!) of the approximately 3,500 Kodiak brown bears of the Kodiak archipelago, one of the densest bear populations in the world. With hiking, kayaking, fishing, and bear watching, you will gain a clear idea of why bears are and have been significant to the Alutiiq people for thousands of years. 

Alutiiq culture comes alive for guests at the lodge. For example, relax at the spa - the Kodiak Brown Bear Center's "banya" is a tribute to the Alutiiq people's longstanding traditions. In their culture, steam baths, known as banyas, were central meeting places. People gathered there to bathe, heal, and strengthen social bonds. It's a space designed not just for physical cleansing, but also for a deeper connection with the cultural practices of Kodiak's Indigenous people. Enjoy delicious meals while at the lodge made with locally sourced native ingredients whenever possible. 

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Last Stop: Unalaska

Unangan: Ounalashka, meaning “Near the Peninsula”

Unalaska, a thriving island community nestled in the Aleutian Chain, boasts a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in the traditions of the Unangan people. Experience Unalaska's Unangan culture by traveling there in mid-August for the Heart of the Aleutians Festival. This annual festival celebrates Unalaska's unique character and serves as a welcome-back event for returning residents. It features a strong focus on local arts and crafts, including those inspired by Unangan traditions. Explore the vendor tent and discover exquisite Unangan beadwork, intricately woven baskets, and locally-made crafts. The festival often features a music tent with performances by local bands, some incorporating traditional Unangan instruments or songs.

Check out the Museum of the Aleutians. This museum serves as the cornerstone of your cultural exploration. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Unangan people through exhibits showcasing traditional tools, clothing, ceremonial objects, and kayaks (kayaks played a vital role in Unangan life and hunting practices). 

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As you journey through Southwest Alaska, the echoes of ancient traditions will weave themselves into your memories, creating a tapestry richer than any souvenir. This vibrant cultural landscape is not merely a museum exhibit; it's a living testament to the enduring spirit of the Yup'ik, Cup'ik, Alutiiq (Sugpiaq), and Unangax̂ people. Embrace the opportunity to learn, to connect, and to be humbled by the profound connection these communities share with their land. Let this itinerary be your guide, but remember, the truest discoveries often lie beyond the planned stops – in a shared smile with a local artisan, in the rhythm of a dance performance, or in the quiet awe of a breathtaking vista. Southwest Alaska awaits, ready to share its cultural treasures with open arms and open hearts.