Don’t Miss the 50th Annual Festival of Native Arts in Fairbanks, Alaska (February 22-24)

Key Festival Information —

• What: Performances, workshops, and artisan vendors that celebrate several Alaskan Native cultures
• When: February 22 – 24, 2024 
• Where: University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Cost: Free and open to the public

Alaska is undeniably one of the United States’ most beautiful destinations. National parks, northern lights, and abundant wildlife draw millions to its remote corners. 

But what makes Alaska all the more alluring to travelers is its native cultures.

Few events spotlight these cultures like the Festival of Native Arts, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary on February 22 – 24 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). This milestone year’s theme is “Troth Yeddha’ Forever: Our Ways of Life.” 

Troth Yeddha’, or “wild potato ridge,” refers to the ancestral lands of the Lower Tanana Dene’, which is where the university campus currently stands. 

Festival coordinator Lou Frenzl commented in a written statement, “The theme not only pays respect to the people who stewarded this land before the university’s creation but also recognizes the unique and collective spirit of the cultures that gather here each year.” 

Scheduled performances and workshops will highlight several native cultures, as will participating artisan vendors. Here’s what to expect during the Festival of Native Arts, which is open to the public and free to attend.  

Performances at the Festival of Native Arts 

Performances will take place within the C.W. Davis Concert Hall in the Fine Arts Complex. Doors open at 5:30 pm on Thursday and opening ceremonies begin at 6 pm. 

Speeches will be followed by a performance from the Troth Yeddha’ Dance Group, a student organization at UAF. Other troupes will also take the stage including Ch’eno Polynesian Arts, Pavva Iñupiaq Dancers, and Inu-Yupiaq.  

Doors also open at 5:30 pm on Friday, with traditional Yup’ik dance group Acilquq starting the evening’s performances at 6 pm. Their act will be followed by the Young Native Fiddlers, Cupiit Yurartet drummers and dancers, and other performers.

On Saturday, festival attendees can arrive at the concert hall as early as 4:30 pm. Several performers will make reappearances.

Later in the evening, the Pathfinder Award will be presented to a UAF staff member who “exemplifies compassion and dedication to Alaska Native/rural student success.” At 9:30 pm, the Qaluyaarmiut Yurartait will perform traditional Yup’ik songs to close out the festival. 

For greater insight, see the full performance schedule and view recordings of last year’s acts. 

Workshops at the Festival of Native Arts 

In addition to performances, the Festival of Native Arts will host several workshops in the Wood Center on Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm. 

Head to designated conference rooms to learn how to make beaded crafts and akutaq (Alaskan ice cream). These spaces will also share insights into Indigenous languages and host a special screening of Uksuum Cauyai: The Drums of Winter.

Traditional Polynesian, Inuit, Dene’, and Yup’ik dances will take place in the Wood Center’s multi-level lounge. A wellness workshop will also be hosted by the Alaska Native Student Wellness Alliance, which aims to elevate the health of Alaska Native communities. 

See Friday’s agenda and Saturday’s schedule for workshop hours and additional information. 

Artisan Vendors at the Festival of Native Arts

Dozens of artisan vendors will also appear at the Festival of Native Arts. Booths will be stationed at the C.W. Davis Concert Hall, adjacent to the Great Hall, on Thursday through Saturday. 

Admire beaded pieces from several vendors, including Beadwork by Naa’ Daaiy, JayBaesBeads, and Lodi Beads. Dickson Mukluks and Marie’s Inupiaq Apparel will be among several artisans selling other handmade wearables. Interior art, cosmetics, and more creations will be available for sale, too.

See the Festival of Native Arts’ Facebook post for a full list of participating vendors. 

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Want to learn more about Alaskan Native cultures? Travel Lemming’s senior writer and Alaskan local Matthew Reppond has created a deep library of guides on his home state. Get started with his article on the best places to travel in Alaska — which, of course, includes Fairbanks.