The best way to appreciate the cultures of Alaska’s First People is … Music New doctors and treatments developed for new diseases were considered to be a new shelter for life. Their purpose is to encourage cross-cultural exchanges among all people and enhance self-esteem among Native people. As traditional Alaska Native cultures intersected with American European culture, the standards and definitions of civil rights and social justice in this country evolved. Between the time of contact and the 1920's Alaska Native populations were reduced by more than half. The Alaska Native Heritage Center celebrates the rich heritage of Alaska's 11 cultural groups. In Southeast Alaska, a region of lush forests, mild climate, abundant fish, game, and edible plants, the Tlingit (pronounced Klinkit), Haida, and Tshimshian Indians make their home. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this website do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Each group of people interacts with the environment where they settled. There are 573 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and villages in the United States, each with their own culture, language and history. Aleut Culture The earliest people in this region, the Paleo-Aleuts, arrived in the Aleutian Islands from the Alaskan mainland about 2000 B.C. This basic belief was the foundation of all Alaska Native cultures and was their "world view." New doctors and treatments developed for new diseases were considered to be a new shelter for life. As the healers and entire villages of Alaska Natives died, belief in traditional medicines was also undermined. Alaska Native cultures are featured in the tourism industry and museums and private individuals from around the world seek and collect Native art. The Alaska Native Arts Foundation promotes and markets Native art from all regions and cultures in the State, using the internet. November is Native American Heritage Month, which is also referred to as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. Their culture produced totem poles, ceremonial costumes, and exquisite blankets. This basic belief was the foundation of all Alaska Native cultures and was their "world view." As the healers and entire villages of Alaska Natives died, belief in traditional medicines was also undermined. Alaska Humanities Forum Copyright 2017 - Alaska Humanities Forum Funded by the National Endowments for the Humanities. Every tribe has unique traditions and distinct styles of housing, dress, and food. November is Native American Heritage Month, which is also referred to as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. This is If we don’t understand each other, if we do not know the culture, the languages, or the history of each other, we are unable to see each other as human beings with value and dignity. Alaska Native culture is beautifully illustrated through the arts. The traditional beliefs about death and the afterworld have been replaced by an array of Christian beliefs. Between the time of contact and the 1920's Alaska Native populations were reduced by more than half. Federally recognized tribes vary in population and land base, but all are considered sovereign nations and hold a specific nation-to-nation relationship with the United States. Alaska visitors can experience the state’s unique Native culture through many avenues including totem carving, Native dancing, the blanket toss, traditional music, crafts and festivals as well as cultural and historical museums, heritage centers and academics.