[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 62 (Monday, May 3, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S4609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE CENTER

 Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I rise to honor the opening of 
the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, Alaska.
  The Heritage Center, the first of its kind in Alaska, is a twenty-six 
acre campus that offers a unique opportunity to learn and explore the 
traditional ways of Alaska Native cultures. The Center will be a 
``gathering place'' where local residents and visitors to Alaska can 
meet Native Tradition Bearers, artists and performers. While visiting, 
they can learn about the Native traditional lifestyle by participating 
in workshops and guided tours of the five traditional village settings 
that have been built around a lake on the campus.
  In 1994, I was privileged to add the Stevens/Murkowski Alaska Native 
Culture and Arts Development Act as an amendment to the School-to-Work 
Opportunities Act. This amendment paved the way for authorizing federal 
funding for the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Congressman Don Young 
was instrumental in winning House approval for the measure. Over the 
past six years, Senator Stevens has been successful in securing 
matching federal funds for the Center--I am proud to say the Center 
isn't just a federal project, but a statewide project funded by 
individuals, private companies, Native Corporations and friends from 
outside the State who were united in a common dream.
  Finally, I would like to commend the vision and relentless dedication 
of the Chairman of the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Mr. Roy Huhndorf. 
The Heritage Center is a tribute to his leadership and determination to 
ensure a vibrant and continuing celebration of Alaska Native traditions 
and cultures for years to come.

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