Exhibitions That Connect
One of the main benefits of building a new museum is that it will be indigenous-led and curated. Historically, most museums have told a colonized story from a single perspective, narrated in the second or third person, rarely in the first person. Our exhibition committee, which includes our exhibit developers (Storyline Studio and Exhibit AK), and representatives from our seven communities throughout our region, including Chugach board members, shareholders, and culture bearers, helped identify four key themes: We are Coastal People; We are Resilient; We are Stewards of our Resources; and We Live Our Culture.
Our values of respect, responsibility, resilience, and reciprocity echo a celebration of heritage and ownership of our lands. Together, we are designing a family-friendly experience that reflects the richness of Chugach cultural traditions, ancestral technologies, languages, and deep relationships with the land and sea. In addition to the main permanent exhibit, we are creating a dedicated rotating space for smaller temporary exhibitions. These flexible areas will allow us to highlight timely topics, share new community-led projects, and bring in work from partner institutions.
Currently underway is a traveling exhibit focused on the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: Then & Now, 37 Years Later. This small exhibit will travel throughout the region and beyond, telling the traumatic untold stories from an indigenous perspective and the healing that continues today, creating meaningful opportunities for communities to learn from, connect with, and celebrate the resiliency of the Chugach people.
Hands-On Learning & Cultural Practice
The museum will include two flexible classroom spaces designed to support year-round teaching and learning. These spaces will host artist residencies, school programs, public events, and tour group experiences that allow visitors to learn directly from cultural knowledge holders.
A dedicated theatre will further expand the museum’s ability to offer immersive learning and community engagement. This venue will support film screenings, cultural performances, lectures, storytelling events, and youth programs—creating another dynamic environment for sharing knowledge and celebrating regional traditions.
With the Chugach Heritage Foundation also located in the building, the museum will have strong opportunities to partner on programs and educational initiatives. Collaborative workshops, co-developed cultural curriculum, year-round camps and shared public events will strengthen the connection between urban and rural communities.
Together, these learning spaces create a center for cultural education throughout the year.
