Sealaska Corporation

The first objective of this project is to preserve and care for a unique collection of 338 video recordings of traditional Southeast Alaska Native song and dance performances. The performances were presented at "Celebration" cultural festivals, sponsored by the Sealaska Heritage Institute between 1982 and 1992. These videotapes are old and inaccessible due to their outdated format, and are in critical need of preservation measures. The recordings will be made widely available to tribal members, educators, scholars, and the public, and specific steps will be taken to facilitate the use of Celebration content as educational tools by K-12 teachers and university instructors. These efforts will provide for the preservation and accessibility of a significant cultural collection, foster greater understanding of tribal values and traditions, and promote cross-cultural education.