North Slope Borough Department of Iñupiat History, Language, and Culture: Preserving Heritage for Future Generations
The Department of Iñupiat History, Language, and Culture (IHLC) is dedicated to documenting, preserving, and promoting the rich history, language, and traditions of the Iñupiat people across the North Slope Region. Through a range of programs, the department ensures that cultural heritage is respected, celebrated, and integrated into the community’s future.
Mission To document, preserve, and perpetuate the Iñupiat history, language, and culture of the North Slope Region while ensuring that cultural issues receive appropriate consideration in planning processes.
Announcements
| IHLC IS NOW OPEN AS A MEETING LOCATION |
Key Programs and Initiatives
The IHLC Department achieves its mission through a variety of activities designed to promote cultural awareness and understanding:
- Iñupiat Language Revitalization: Supporting efforts to revive and strengthen the Iñupiat language through educational programs, collaborations with local schools, and the use of new technologies.
- Cultural Documentation: Collecting, recording, and digitizing oral histories, traditional knowledge, and historical data to preserve cultural information for future generations.
- Heritage Centers and Museums: Utilizing the Iñupiat Heritage Center and Simon Paneak Memorial Museum as vibrant hubs that display artifacts, offer educational programs, and promote Iñupiat arts, crafts, and traditions.
- Public Education and Exhibits: Developing dynamic exhibits, publications, and educational materials that showcase the rich cultural history of the Iñupiat people, fostering greater understanding and appreciation.
- Tourism and Community Outreach: Sharing the Iñupiat way of life with visitors, supporting local artists, and hosting events that bring together elders, youth, and community members to celebrate cultural heritage.
Cultural Resources
The Cultural Resources program plays a crucial role in maintaining the Traditional Land Use Inventory, collaborating with community members and the Planning Department to protect culturally significant sites. By overseeing the documentation and digitization of oral histories, the program ensures that the region’s heritage remains accessible and alive for all stakeholders.
Iñupiat Heritage Center
Rooted in the tradition of the Qargi (community house), the Iñupiat Heritage Center serves as a gathering place that promotes and preserves the Iñupiat way of life. Through exhibits, educational programs, and the support of local artists, the center fosters a deep connection to cultural identity, ensuring that traditional knowledge and skills are passed down through generations.
Simon Paneak Memorial Museum
The Simon Paneak Memorial Museum in Anaktuvuk Pass acts as a repository of Nunamiut culture, preserving artifacts, stories, and traditional knowledge. It supports local and Borough-wide cultural awareness initiatives, working closely with schools, community leaders, and researchers to enhance understanding of the Iñupiat people’s rich history.
 |
 |
Through its commitment to preserving and sharing the Iñupiat culture, the Department of Iñupiat History, Language, and Culture helps the North Slope Borough honor its heritage, empowering future generations to carry forward their traditions with pride.
Links
Contact
Thomas Leavitt, IHLC Director
Phone Number: (907) 852-0422
Fax Number: (907) 852-0455
