Native Cultures
These individual objects are also available:
- Grass basket (Yupik)
- Dance Fans (yupik)
- Yupik Mask Pictures
- Mukluks
- Sealskin hat
- Yukon River Fish Camp DVD
Traditional Games Kit
How can games be related to hunting? Are they linked to the environment people live in? Play these games and test your coordination, memory and physical skills while learning about Alaska Native cultures. Discover traditional games like “Fox & Geese” and different version of sticks game. Tell a story with a story-knife and make an Eskimo yo-yo. You can event organize a “Games of the North” championship!
What’s in the Kit?
Eskimo Yo-Yo object and info sheet
Make an Eskimo Yo-Yo activity
Quoits-tossing game replicas and explanation sheet
Story-knives replicas and explanation sheet
Bird game replicas and explanation sheet
Sticks game replicas and explanation sheet
Games of the North DVD & activity
10 Games to play physical activity
Kick-ball object (for display only)
Recommended Grade Levels: K-12
Key words: Alaska Native games; Traditional games; Leisure time; Storytelling
Whale Culture Kit
Whales are an important part of coastal Alaskan cultures and Inupiat culture in particular.
Diet, art, and celebrations highlight this special relationship with whales. Discover Alaskan artifacts made from or representative of whales.
What’s in the Kit?
Bowhead Whale Sculpture object
Baleen Basket object
Whale Bone Mask object
Toggling Harpoon Head object
2 Walrus Carvings: a bowhead whale and a beluga objects
Baleen carved ulu object
Scrimshaw &/or whale soap carving activities
Muktuk & Iñupiaq whale culture info sheets
Gift of the Whale book
Recommended Grade Levels: K-6
Key words: Whales; Culture; Art; Inupiat
Caribou Kit
Learn about the caribou (Rangifer tarandus) as a mammal and its uses by Alaska Native cultural groups.
Touch a pelt, antlers and tracks, try recipes, see clothing made from caribou and make your own antlers.
What’s in the Kit?
Caribou jaw object
Caribou antlers object
Caribou calf pelt object
Caribou track mold object
Caribou scenery wall hanging object
Caribou skin booties object
Tools object
Yupik dance fans object
Caribou skin mask object
Sinew object & activity
Make your own caribou antlers activity
Caribou recipe booklet activity
Caribou fact sheets info
Caribou book
Recommended Grade Levels: K-12
Key words: Caribou; Reindeer; Rangifer tarandus; Yupik
Southeast Alaska Cultures Kit
Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people of Southeast Alaska share a rich cultural heritage.
Learn to recognize and reproduce formline designs. Become familiar with regalia, crest objects, totems and Potlatches through the observation of objects and pictures.
What’s in the Kit?
Chilkat robe object & activity
Decorative carved bowl object
Bentwood box object
Cedar bark vase cover object
Cedar bark strips & pictures object
Cedar bark pouch object
Piece of cedar object
Mountain goat wool, sinew, cedar root object
Abalone button object
Button blanket sampler object
Totem poles miniatures object & activity Paddle miniature object
Online Museum Object Quest activity
Explore Southeast Alaska Art Forms activity
Storm Boy book
Art of the Totem book
Indigenous Peoples and Languages of Alaska map
Recommended Grade Levels: K-12
Key words: Southeast; Northwest Coast; Tlingit; Haida; Tsimshian; Formline Design; Totems; Potlatch; Regalia
Athabascan Kit
Athabascans traditionally lived in Interior Alaska. The 11 distinct language groups share a tradition of seasonally based activities and use similar resources for their art.
Examine and compare birch bark baskets, look at beaded artwork and discuss seasonal activities.
What’s in the Kit?
3 birch bark baskets objects & activity
Baby carrier object
Birch bark canoe model
Freight sled model object
Babiche (moose hide strapping) object
Beaded moose hide objects:
-Moccasin
-Hair barrette
-Beaded purse
-Knife sheath
Ceremonial chief's necklace object
Beadwork & Paper Mittens activities
Traditional seasonal round activities
Indigenous Peoples and Languages of Alaska map
The Athabaskans: People of the Boreal Forest book
Recommended Grade Levels: K-12
Key words: Athabascan; Dene; Interior; Art; Seasonal Round; Birch bark; Baskets
