The Ahtna Heritage Foundation (AHF) received a three-year grant last year from the Administration for Native Americans for the Ahtna Heritage Dance Project.

The project gives Ahtna youth the opportunity to learn about traditional songs and dances, language, stories and the sharing of cultural knowledge from Ahtna Elders. An Ahtna Heritage Committee of Elders, youth, other cultural leaders and the project team will guide the program. Lacayah Engebretson was hired as the project director last December. Mark Johns was hired as the activities coordinator and dance instructor in late February.

AHF will be hiring two more part-time dance instructors, as well as forming the Ahtna Heritage Committee and beginning dance workshops. AHF is very grateful for the support that the Ahtna people have shown for the project thus far and looks forward to seeing the results of a successful project.