Wasilla Museum wraps up Night at the Museum Summer Series with Chickaloon Tribe

WASILLA — Chickaloon Village was the final presenter at the Wasilla Museum and Visitor Center’s annual Night at the Museum Summer Series.

“It was amazing. Everybody was lovely,” Chickaloon Village cultural interpretive guide Almeria Alcantra said.

Chickaloon representatives led a class called Culture Share inside the Wasilla Museum Wednesday, July 27. They shared different aspects of Alaska Native culture, particularly in the Mat-Su Valley region. Participants had the opportunity to craft their own baskets in the spirit of traditional birch baskets, using paper instead of actual birch.

Rebecca Marhenke said that she enjoyed the classes and learned a lot, including the fact that it’s traditional to give these handmade items to loved ones. She said that she plans to give the basket to her husband.

“I enjoyed it,” Marhenke said.

Marhenke enjoys crafting with beads and other materials. She said that she was thrilled to learn that beads can be made from local ingredients such as Devil’s Club and certain types of berries.

Marhenke said that she’s participated in several classes throughout this year’s Night at the Museum Summer Series. She marveled at the sheer diversity of presenters and the abundance of inspiration available to anyone.

“To me it’s a lot of fun to learn things I did not know about. I like the ability to learn about other parts about where I live,” Marhenke said.

Alcantra said that connecting with community members and sharing cultural education is her favorite part of her job. She said they have a longstanding partnership with the Wasilla Museum and appreciate their mission of connecting the public to educational opportunities such as those found during a Night the Museum workshop. She said the sense of fun and inspiration is contagious.

“I think it’s an amazing program. I just think it’s a really great way to build community,” Alcantra said. “I love working with Wasilla. They’ve just been really amazing about showing the importance and showcasing our history as the first people here.

Alcantra said their participation in local events such as Night at the Museum is part of Chickaloon Tribe’s ongoing efforts to expand on cultural tourism projects.

“We’re definitely open to working with the community in any aspect,” Alcantra said. “I think it’s just a really good educational opportunity. I personally think that education is a really powerful tool… We just want to make sure that our culture is alive and thriving for future generations.”

Wasilla Museum aid Megan Bruckner said this year’s Night at the Museum Summer Series went really well. She said they’re thankful for the diverse pool of presenters from across the Valley and beyond, and they’re currently working on plans for a winter series.

“We met great people, learned a lot,” Bruckner said. “We’ve been really fortunate in that respect.”

For more information, call 907-373-9071 or visit cityofwasilla.gov/services/departments/museum.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com