
Reaccreditation and KITA bring NEW excitement to Alutiiq Museum
The Alutiiq heritage isn’t just history – it’s a living culture that’s thriving today. The Alutiiq Museum is a celebration of that culture, showcasing local art and inspiring visitors. In the Alutiiq Museum Store, find pieces that mirror the pieces you’ll see, including jewelry, paintings, wood carvings, leather goods, prints, stationery, and beyond. It’s native owned and is a great place to spend the afternoon learning, shopping, and supporting native-owned businesses in Alaska.
Alutiiq Museum Store
111 W. Rezanof Drive, Suite 12, Kodiak, AK 99615
+1 (844) 425 8844
High Praise & Reaccreditation with AAM
The Alutiiq Museum is a staple in the Kodiak community – a part of the heartbeat of Alutiiq heritage and culture in Alaska. And while some things stay the same at the museum – exhibits that celebrate Alutiiq heritage, native-made art, a rich collection of artifacts…there are some NEW and exciting things happening right now!
The Alutiiq Museum just received its reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). This accreditation is much more than a certificate. It is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, research, study, and evaluations by museum peers. The accreditation represents a standard of excellence and adherence to national standards, which sets it apart. There are only 7 museums that hold this accreditation across the state of Alaska, and only a small group across the country, so it is the highest honor for the museum to receive this recognition.
As they have for many years, the Alutiiq Museum will continue to be good stewards of Alutiiq heritage, with its care for the collections in the museum and focus on educational programs – two areas the museum was specifically praised for.
NEW at Alutiiq Museum – KITA
The Alutiiq Museum is also excited to share a new development: Kodiak Island Traditional Arts Project (KITA). KITA was funded by a grant from the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) and focuses on showcasing and supporting even more Alutiiq artists. Kita is the Alutiiq word for “Let’s go!” and perfectly represents what the program stands for – moving forward and growing.
KITA hopes to help local Alutiiq artists earn more income to support their families, with a few primary goals:
- Artist Development and Capacity Building
- Legal Education and Public Awareness
- Tourism Integration and Economic Expansion
The 3-year program will offer training, enrichment programs, workshops, and college courses to help local artists expand and learn more about their art and business. KITA aims to be a jumpstart for artists, helping to keep traditions alive, foster new techniques, and ensure the Alutiiq art culture is passed down for generations. As artists hone their craft, they will learn how to best incorporate Alutiiq heritage, how to continue building their brand and business, and how to ensure this work for years to come. They believe in the importance of sharing this culture with the community to keep history alive!