Day of Storytelling

Envisioning an Anchorage where understanding our histories and cultural heritages inspires us to celebrate our past and shape the future. In November 2021, a team of volunteers initiated a project to designate a new National Heritage Area (NHA) in the Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet. As part of this NHA initiative, the Alaska Humanities Forum (AKHF) is leading a public day of storytelling in November 2026 that will serve as a key moment for identifying, collecting, and sharing stories that shape Anchorage’s sense of place, history, and community. Guided by our mission to connect Alaskans through stories, ideas, and experiences that inspire understanding and strengthen communities, this event will bring together residents from across the Anchorage/Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet area to reflect on who we’ve been, who we are now, and who we want to become. This public event is for anyone who cares about the history and future of the Anchorage/Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet area—Tribal members, business owners, historians, Elders, faith leaders, artists, storytellers, teachers, youth, and anyone else who wants to connect with their neighbors and build stronger communities. The stories and reflections gathered during this event will help shape a feasibility study that will be developed following the event and submitted to the National Park Service as part of the official process for designating the Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet as a National Heritage Area. During the Storytelling Event, participants will have the opportunity to: • Listen deeply to guest storytellers and learn more about a diverse range of experiences in the Anchorage/Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet area. • Share and record your own stories in a range of formats, if you choose. • Connect with other residents of the Anchorage/Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet area. • Enjoy live music, performances, and catered food.