About
Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) is a non-profit tribal organization founded in 1980 to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. SHI also conducts scientific and public policy research that promotes Alaska Native arts, cultures, history, and education statewide. The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars, a Native Artist Committee, a Southeast Regional Language Committee, and an Education Committee.
What We Do
SHI offers numerous programs promoting Southeast Alaska Native cultures, arts, history, languages, and education. The institute maintains a substantial archive of Southeast Alaska Native ethnographic material and partners with schools and universities to promote academics and cultural education. Biennially, SHI produces Celebration, one of Alaska’s largest Native gatherings. SHI owns and operates the Sealaska Heritage Store and curates cultural exhibits on the first floor of its headquarters in Juneau’s landmark Walter Soboleff Building. It also operates Atnané Hít (Sealaska Heritage Art Campus) and its Indigenous Science Building in downtown Juneau.
The Core Values of Southeast Alaska Natives
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Honoring & Utilizing Our Land
Tlingit: Haa Aaní
Haida: Íitl’ Tlagáa
Tsimshian: Na La̱xyuubm -
Honoring Our Ancestors & Future Generations
Tlingit: Haa Shuká
Haida: Íitl’ Kuníisii;
Tsimshian: Na Łagigyetgm -
Strength of Body, Mind & Spirit
Tlingit: Haa Latseení
Haida: Íitl’ Dagwiigáay
Tsimshian: Na G̱atlleedm -
Social & Spiritual Balance
Haida: Gu Dlúu
Tlingit: Wooch Yáx̱
Tsimshian: Ama Mackshm
A Brief History
Sealaska Heritage Institute was founded in 1980 by Sealaska Corporation after being conceived by clan leaders, traditional scholars, and Elders at the first Sealaska Elders Conference.
Buildings
SHI owns and operates three buildings in downtown Juneau: the Walter Soboleff Building, which houses most staff; Atnané Hít, the Sealaska Heritage Arts Campus; and the Indigenous Science Building.
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Board & Committees
Learn MoreSHI is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars, a Native Artist Committee, a Southeast Regional Language Committee, and an Education Committee.
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Staff
Learn MoreSHI employs staff to operate programming and care for its archives and collections in a state-of-the-art facility.
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Jobs
Learn MoreWe take great pride in the work we do. We are always looking for good people to join our team.
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Contracts
Learn MoreSHI contracts with many people and entities in Alaska. Check out our current listings.
