Native cultures come alive for visitors of the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge when they see displays of authentic Ahtna Athabascan regalia, including clothing, jewelry and other traditional items, in coffee table display cases in the lodge’s main lobby.

The displays are part of a program being undertaken by CIRI Alaska Tourism Corp. to focus attention on the vitality and vibrancy of Alaska Native cultures, with each display targeted specifically toward the Native culture and history of the region surrounding CIRI’s tourism facilities. At the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, the focus is on the Ahtna Athabascan of the Chickaloon Native Village, which is located 116 miles southeast of the lodge. Additionally, a display has been developed to honor Athabascan Walter Harper of Interior Alaska, who in 1913 was the first person to summit Denali. The lodge features one of the best views of Denali from anywhere in Alaska.

CIRI shareholder Hallie Bissett is developing the displays as part of an ongoing effort by CIRI Tourism to focus more attention on providing tourists with information about Alaska Native traditions and cultures. Bissett has worked part-time for CIRI over the last five years, and she is the co-author of The CIRI Foundation’s book, “Na’eda, Our Friends, A Guide to Alaska Native Corporations, Tribes, Cultures, ANCSA and More.”

Bissett is working closely with CIRI Historian A.J. McClanahan and Native village leaders in the CIRI and Chugach regions in an effort to ensure that displays celebrate Native cultures within the areas where CIRI Tourism facilities are located. Chickaloon representatives have expressed their willingness to participate and say they are pleased with the efforts.

Kari Johns, the education administrator for the Ya Ne Dah Ah School in Chickaloon, believes CIRI Tourism can provide an important link between the region’s indigenous people and visitors to Alaska.

“I am really glad that Hallie approached Chickaloon about Athabascan displays in Talkeetna because it is an Athabascan region and should have Athabascan representation,” she said. “I think this is the beginning of recognizing the original people of the area. I appreciate all of the work that has been done so far.”

Johns noted that she was particularly pleased that the information included in the display cases honors the artists who made the regalia. “I like that you recognized not only the tribe, but the artist, as well. I think that it is really important.”

Bissett is also working on a display for the Seward Windsong Lodge that will feature Mary Lowell and her family, the first landowners of the site that became the city of Seward. Little is known about Lowell’s background other than the fact that she was an Alaska Native who lived a prosperous subsistence life in the region with her nine children before selling her land for railroad development after the turn of the century.

Bissett is also working on a display for the Seward Windsong Lodge that will feature Mary Lowell and her family, the first landowners of the site that became the city of Seward. Little is known about Lowell’s background other than the fact that she was an Alaska Native who lived a prosperous subsistence life in the region with her nine children before selling her land for railroad development after the turn of the century.

According to a 2002 report by the Travel Industry Association of America, travelers who love history and culture spend more and stay longer than average visitors. “This report makes it clear that the historic/cultural travel is a market to which the travel industry needs to pay close attention in the future,” said William S. Norman, president & CEO of the Travel Industry Association of America. “The sheer volume of travelers interested in arts and history as well as their spending habits, their travel patterns and demographics leave no doubt that history and culture are now a significant part of the U.S. travel experience.”
Future plans for the cultural program also include the development of “talking points” for tourism staff that would give them information about Native people and cultures to present to visitors, as well as printed cards and brochures. Bissett also hopes to partner with local tribes and historians, including agencies such as the National Park Service.

It is hoped that in addition to displays, next year’s tourism season could include scheduling demonstrations and classes by local Native artisans, and possibly even performances by local dance groups.