- Erin Welke

Fredrick Walker Member of a Native Alaska Culture

       Fredrick Walker enjoys learning and teaching people about his native culture!  Fredrick is 16 years old and works at Alaska’s Native Heritage Center.  He was born in Anchorage and has lived there all his life.
       Fredrick is a member of the Tsimshiamhai-Hiatai-Athabascan-Inupiaq tribe.  This tribe came to Alaska over 120 years ago.  They are the newest culture in Alaska.  His cultural tribe did not all come together at first- there were 700 Tsimshiamhais and 17 Inupiaqs that came to Alaska.  Slowly the tribes merged together.  They came to Alaska for religious freedom.
       When it comes to continuing to practice Fredrick’s culture, he goes above and beyond.  Fredrick finds it important to practice his culture!  Fredrick loves to learn the languages of his native tribe.  He says “As of now, I am learning my culture’s languages.”  He is also enjoys singing and dancing.  “I play the drums!”  Different kindazaaaaaaa of drums play key roles in some of Alaska’s native cultures.
       Fredrick will continue to work at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.  He just really enjoys being able to share his knowledge about his rich culture.