Cohort 4

The 2023 cohort (Cohort 4) created the following definition of youth cultural heritage: It’s a whole vibe: A youth-led process to connect youth to our ancestors, beliefs, customs, traditions, language and ways of understanding to empower youth to be strong and resilient in their identity and roots to build an interwoven community where youth can find connection and true meaning in the world.

Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments K’eejit Nąįį ts’à’ Gwandak Ndaa Łireelyaa 2023

The “CATG Youth Cultural Heritage Project,” led by the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments (CATG) Gwich’in Heritage Project, strives to preserve the Gwich’in and Upper Koyukon Athabascan languages across nine tribes in Alaska’s Upper Yukon Flats region. Engaging youth through avenues like the Youth Warriors newsletter, language event support, and cultural content, the project collaborates with the Beaver Village Council to create local cultural events where youth can learn traditional stories, explore media platforms, and craft storybooks. By translating Gwich’in stories into printed narratives, guided by Elders and culture bearers, the project fosters a strong connection between youth and their heritage, potentially influencing broader community cultural appreciation and language revitalization efforts. Through a blend of storytelling, creation, and connection, the project seeks to ensure that the wisdom of the past resonates within present and future generations.

Korean Cultural Center Alaska – Connecting Generations: Fostering Korean Heritage and Identity 2023

This community-driven project in Anchorage focuses on reconnecting young Korean-Americans with their heritage. Through hands-on experiences like cooking Kimbap, a beloved Korean dish, and exploring traditional arts, the initiative aims to bridge the cultural gap between generations. Korean elders and culture bearers also attend the Korean cultural arts events and help with activities to pass on their knowledge, stories, and experiences to the next generation. One activity, a writing workshop, is led by a celebrated writer and Korean culture bearer to encourage self-exploration within the Korean diaspora. By fostering understanding and appreciation for heritage, the project envisions nurturing responsible and culturally aware citizens who value compassion and mutual respect.

Ketchikan Wellness Coalition – Magsayawan Ketchikan: To Dance Together 2023

A dynamic cultural heritage project in Ketchikan, Alaska, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the Filipino community’s rich heritage. Through dance and music training, the project engages youth, families, and the wider community in reconnecting with Filipino traditions. The program includes structured classes, intergenerational learning sessions, and performances at local events, culminating in a showcase at the FIL-AM Festival. By fostering pride and understanding, “Magsayawan Ketchikan” not only revitalizes heritage but also promotes unity and appreciation within the diverse Ketchikan community.

Stories of the Land: Wrangell Youth Media Arts with KTOO 2023

“Stories of the Land” is a transformative project driven by KTOO and See Stories that empowers the youth of Wrangell, Alaska, to reclaim their cultural narrative. Recognizing the historical underrepresentation of Indigenous stories, this endeavor enables diverse voices to reimagine Alaska’s future by capturing and sharing the narratives that shape their lives. Partnering with Wrangell Middle School and guided by teacher Laura Davies, the project facilitates a two-week youth filmmaking workshop in early-mid May 2023. By interviewing local elders, the students unearth the intricate relationship between people and land, exploring the historical context of resource use. Culminating in a youth-led community screening, these documentaries celebrate Wrangell’s multifaceted heritage and promote inclusive conversations around land management. Through media creation, young participants become torchbearers of cultural identity, fostering a lasting connection between past, present, and future generations.

Hi’ilei Aloha Dance Company: Celebrating Polynesian Heritage Through Dance 2023

Hi’ilei Aloha Dance Company, HADC, holds a profound belief in cultural heritage as a bridge to ancestral traditions. Embracing the tangible and intangible aspects of culture, from costumes to stories, the company empowers youth with the rich tapestry of their Polynesian roots. Through captivating performances, HADC rekindles these connections, sharing tales etched in dances like Hula, Tahitian, and more. The project’s pinnacle moment is participation in The Te ‘Ori Ora Seattle Dance Competition and Workshop Series, which celebrates the ancestral dance practice of Polynesia and Polynesian culture takes center stage. With an inclusive ethos, HADC’s mission unfolds, nurturing self-love, confidence, and a lifelong passion for preserving and imparting the Polynesian culture. As the dance floor ignites, the flame of heritage spreads, igniting hearts and binding communities together.