AKNHC opens its doors for summer season

The Alaska Native Heritage Center opened its doors for the summer season Sunday.

The center celebrated Mother's Day with free admission and special performances.

Among the acts were the Native American women's acapella group, Ulali, and Grammy-nominated singer, Star Nayea.

Visitors were invited to take guided tours of the different village sites. There were interactive Alaska Native games demonstrations as well as an introduction to the various Alaska Native cultures and storytelling.

The first 350 mothers in the door received a small token of appreciation.

"Celebrating our mothers and reminding everyone to respect your family and take care of your mothers and take care of your daughters and again as Native people we need to remember to honor our families, especially our mothers," Loren Anderson, the Director of cultural and educational programs said.

This is the 18th year for the center. Instructors on staff teach subsistence skills as well as language immersion courses.

The center is open daily during the summer from 9 a.m to 5 p.m., including holidays.