Ok- Did I mention the awesome (maamaakaj) Native American Heritage Center? I loved this place! We had a presenter full of magic. His name was Lauren. He was so interesting to listen to he made the time pass so flawlessly. Before I knew it, it was lunch time. He taught us about culture and the difference between culture and heritage. We drew pictures about what culture means to us and what we grew up with. I shared my story about growing up in two worlds. It was really fun. I was so humbled to be a visitor there. I could feel my voice shake as I spoke. It is just so amazing how much history and knowledge that is carried on in Alaska. I am in awe.
I enjoyed the last part of our day just as much as the first. We had a tour of the Heritage Center, which by the way was opened for us specially that day. Normally it would be closed for the "Culture" holiday in Alaska. At the Heritage Center we learned about many of the different tribes in Alaska. I enjoyed learning about the differences and how each tribe adapted to their surroundings. I especially loved how you could see this in their clothing and kayaks.
We had an afternoon speaker named Yaari. She was a beautiful women who shared a portion of her book with us. She opened our eyes to more on culture by explaining her story. She shared information about her family and upbringing to help us understand a little bit more about Alaska Native culture and how our approach as professionals can make a difference. The one point that was reiterated time and time again was on tone of voice and tempo of speaking. We were encouraged to slow down in order to give more space for conversation. Both presenters went into more depth on this, explaining why and how it can make a difference.
I had a great time. I would highly recommend it when visiting Anchorage.
3/20 This is backward. But, I forgot after I visited the ER on Sunday that we visited the local museum. I wanted to share the pictures from this day. It was great because it was a free day at the museum. It was so beautiful with a lot of Alaska Native History displayed. There are so many tribes in Alaska it made it all so fascinating. I bought a few things at the museum. I enjoyed browsing at the different crafts and jewelry that they make here. There is a lot of ivory used. The designs are quite different than Ojibwe, except that Athabascan tribe. Athabascan is closely related to Ojibwe with their floral and beadwork. Very pretty!
I enjoyed the last part of our day just as much as the first. We had a tour of the Heritage Center, which by the way was opened for us specially that day. Normally it would be closed for the "Culture" holiday in Alaska. At the Heritage Center we learned about many of the different tribes in Alaska. I enjoyed learning about the differences and how each tribe adapted to their surroundings. I especially loved how you could see this in their clothing and kayaks.
We had an afternoon speaker named Yaari. She was a beautiful women who shared a portion of her book with us. She opened our eyes to more on culture by explaining her story. She shared information about her family and upbringing to help us understand a little bit more about Alaska Native culture and how our approach as professionals can make a difference. The one point that was reiterated time and time again was on tone of voice and tempo of speaking. We were encouraged to slow down in order to give more space for conversation. Both presenters went into more depth on this, explaining why and how it can make a difference.
I had a great time. I would highly recommend it when visiting Anchorage.
3/20 This is backward. But, I forgot after I visited the ER on Sunday that we visited the local museum. I wanted to share the pictures from this day. It was great because it was a free day at the museum. It was so beautiful with a lot of Alaska Native History displayed. There are so many tribes in Alaska it made it all so fascinating. I bought a few things at the museum. I enjoyed browsing at the different crafts and jewelry that they make here. There is a lot of ivory used. The designs are quite different than Ojibwe, except that Athabascan tribe. Athabascan is closely related to Ojibwe with their floral and beadwork. Very pretty!