52nd annual Festival of Native Arts returns to UAF – The Delta Discovery, Inc.

This year’s festival is dedicated to those affected by Typhoon Halong.

The 52nd annual Festival of Native Arts returned to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Troth Yeddha’ Campus Feb. 26-28. The theme for this year’s festival is “Elevating Our Strength in Unity”.

“It honors the strength found in coming together—across generations, communities, and cultures—to celebrate resilience, creativity, and connection,” said Festival organizers regarding the theme.

This year’s event is dedicated to those affected by Typhoon Halong.

The festival featured three evenings of performances, cultural workshops and an artisan marketplace. All events were free and open to the public.

Dance groups performing included the Bethel based group Qasgirmiut, the Pingayak Dance Group of Chevak, and the Cupiit Yurartet of southwest Alaska.

John Pingayak of the Pingayak Family Dance Group led the “Heartbeat of Drums” on Friday night of the festival.

Since 1973, the Festival of Native Arts has provided a space for Alaska Native communities to share their traditions through dance, music, art and storytelling. This year’s theme, “Elevating Our Strength in Unity,” honors the power of collective identity across generations, communities and cultures.

The logo for this year’s festival was designed by student artist Bella Marks of Tanana.

Doors opened at 5 p.m. nightly for the artisan marketplace in the Great Hall. Performances began at 6 p.m. in the C.W. Davis Concert Hall. More information, including the performance lineup and workshop schedule, was posted on the festival Facebook page and website.