Skip to main content

Ilanka Cultural Center

Ilanka Cultural Center

Opened in 2004, the Ilanka Cultural Center celebrates the history and culture of Native Alaskans. For generations Eyak, Alutiiq, Ahtna, and Tlingit peoples have lived in Cordova for its proximity to Prince William Sound and the mouth of the Copper River. The museum houses a collection of native art and artifacts from the prehistoric age to the modern day.

A unique element of the Ilanka Cultural Center is that it houses a complete orca skeleton, salvaged by the local community in 2000 from Hartney Bay. In addition, the cultural center contains a collection of hand-made kayaks, helping visitors compare kayaks from Siberia with those from Alaska.

We hope you enjoy our work.

Please support this magazine of trusted historical writing, now in its 75th year, and the volunteers that sustain it with a donation to American Heritage.

Donate