Vibrant Culture, Long-standing Traditions

From dance and song to language, food and athletics, the Qutekcak Native Tribe’s tradition is steeped in the heritage of many of Alaska’s Native peoples. As tribal members regain their understanding of these traditions, the collection of traditions will only grow.

From participating as youth in the Drum and Dance Group, learning crafts, songs or participating in Native Youth Olympics, Seward’s youth are growing up with a strong sense of pride their parents rarely experienced. At the same time, the elders are gaining their pride through a similar re-learning as they teach the youth about traditions long hidden in their life experiences.

Through a grant from the Administration of Native Americans, QNT members developed the Qutekcak Learning and Cultural Center as a place to grow and share their cultures with each other and those outside the QNT community. It is hoped the program will grow over the years into a living collection of stories and traditions.