More than 200 Alaska Natives and community members gathered on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus to honor culture, identity, and tradition during a special Native Heritage Month celebration.

The event opened with sounds of drumming, dancing, and conversations, bringing together families, students, and elders.

Kierann Bailey, with UAA, spoke about the importance of reclaiming culture after years of loss. “I think we experienced a lot of troubles in the past with boarding schools and the separation of culture. It’s really good to have events like this so that we can reclaim and celebrate who we are and where we come from.”

Dozens of vendors lined the venue, selling paintings, jewelry, and traditional moccasins—each piece carrying its own cultural story. Artist Ramy Brooks said sha

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