Festival of Native Arts began in 1973, when a group of University of Alaska Fairbanks students and faculty met to consider a spring festival focused on the artistic expressions of each Alaska Native culture. In less than three months, perhaps for the first time in Alaska, Native artists, craftspeople and dancers from all major Native culture groups gathered together at UAF to share with each other, the University community and Fairbanks their rich artistic traditions.

The enthusiasm with which this first festival was received indicated that a major annual Native event had been born.

We thank you, our audience, for sharing with us our cultures and traditions. People of all cultures are welcome here, regardless of whether they’re Native or non-Native, as all cultures have something valuable to learn from each other. We go forth together, learning from and appreciating each other with the respect and consideration that all people, as human beings, are due.