Sealaska Heritage and Walter Soboleff Building, Juneau

The Sealaska Heritage Institute, established in 1980 to preserve and share the cultures of Southeast Alaska Native peoples, is located in the Walter Soboleff Building in downtown Juneau. Opened in 2015, the building serves as both the institute’s headquarters and a cultural center dedicated to the traditions, languages, and artistic practices of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples.

The building itself reflects Indigenous art and design, featuring large-scale works by prominent Native artists including David A. Boxley, Preston Singletary, and Robert Davidson. The exterior includes carved and painted elements incorporated into the architecture, while the interior features a replica clan house built with traditional design elements. These spaces introduce visitors to the social structures, artistic traditions, and storytelling practices that have shaped Southeast Alaska Native communities for generations.

Inside, exhibits explore Native history, cultural practices, and contemporary artistic expression. The clan house provides a setting for traditional stories and cultural programs, while displays of masks, regalia, carvings, and other artworks demonstrate the skill and knowledge passed through generations. The institute emphasizes the importance of preserving Native languages, traditions, and perspectives in a region where Indigenous cultures remain an essential part of the community.

The Sealaska Heritage Store offers visitors the opportunity to purchase Alaska Native artwork, jewelry, carvings, books, and locally inspired gifts. Many of the items are created by Native artists, and proceeds help support the institute’s programs focused on cultural preservation, language revitalization, and education.