SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE

Art sealaska heritage institute operates numerous programs to perpetuate northwest coast art-- one of the most distinctive art forms in the world. The goals are to provide opportunities for native artists' professional development; expand demand for native arts through developing native arts markets; provide native arts cross-cultural education among the general public; advocate for artists' access to traditional materials; and, research, preserve, and perpetuate northwest coast art. Shi operates the sealaska heritage arts campus, (atnan ht) in juneau, and partners with university of alaska southeast and institute of american indian arts to offer higher education opportunities in nwc arts, including in-person and virtual nwc arts classes (including, but not limited to: tool making, formline design, sculptural design, metal engraving, chasing and repouss, basketry, woolen weaving, spruce root gathering and processing, business literacy for artists), on campus, in se alaska, and beyond. Shi offers optional college credits for all eligible courses and is developing the sealaska heritage certificate of merit to offer a valuable non-college credit credential. The institute hosts tours, performances, traditional ceremonies and artist markets on campus, and offers mentor-apprenticeships, artists residencies, and internships regionally. It is also building its performing arts program with focus on retaining and strengthening the art of oratory and producing a brand new tlingit opera. The institute is building on traditional economies and the use of natural resources that are abundant and readily available in southeast alaska to revitalize traditional arts and crafts production: we call this the "sustainable art program." shi purchases raw materials from native hunters, supports the training of new artists through mentor- apprenticeships, and produces arts-related curriculum resources and other publications to support continuing education.

Other programs including the scholarship program, traditional celebrations and the sealaska heritage retail store.