Heritage Insurance Celebrates Local Culture with Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center Opening
- The Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center celebrates the culture and history of Alaska's indigenous communities, particularly the Inupiaq people.
- It offers interactive exhibits, including language learning and local crafts, promoting cultural immersion and sustainable practices.
- The center strengthens community ties and enhances educational experiences about the natural history and cultural richness of the region.
Heritage Center Opens to Celebrate Local Culture and History in Alaska
The Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center, inaugurated on September 5, 2025, marks a significant cultural milestone for local communities in Nome, Alaska. Developed in partnership with a Tribal Workgroup representing the voices of Shishmaref, Wales, and Deering, the center aims to celebrate the rich heritage of the Inupiaq people and other local tribes. The opening of this facility offers a platform for the preservation and sharing of native traditions, stories, and ecological knowledge, crucial for fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the unique landscape of Beringia.
Visitors to the Heritage Center will find a range of interactive exhibits designed to educate and engage. One key feature is the Inupiaq language learning opportunities, providing an avenue for cultural immersion. Additionally, the center showcases an authentic fish rack created by local builder Jared Miller, along with a Niġipiaq Table that reflects the diverse culinary traditions of the region. These exhibits not only highlight the skills and creativity of local artisans but also serve as a reminder of the sustainable practices that have defined Inupiaq subsistence for generations. The center also integrates regional artwork, curated with the guidance of the Sitnasuak Native Corporation Elders Committee, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in cultural representation.
Superintendent Jeanette Koelsch underscores the center's role in honoring the stories and traditions of local communities. She states that the Heritage Center provides an opportunity for visitors to gain a comprehensive understanding of the natural history and cultural richness of the preserve. Jeff Reinbold, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation, further emphasizes that the center embodies the living stories that unite diverse communities, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. This initiative not only strengthens community ties but also enhances the educational experience for those wishing to explore one of America's most remote landscapes.
In addition to its interactive exhibits, the Heritage Center features life-size animal silhouettes adorned by youth artists from the region, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. The center is part of a broader initiative supported by the National Park Foundation and The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, reflecting a commitment to preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Alaska's indigenous populations.
The Bering Land Bridge Heritage Center stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of local communities, fostering a greater appreciation for the interplay between culture and nature in Alaska. By bridging the past with the present, the center ensures that the stories and traditions of the Inupiaq people continue to thrive for future generations.