All Alaska Native Groups
Alaska Native Day began in 2014 through the efforts of Dr. Lauren Peters, an Unangax̂ scholar and enrolled member of the Community of Saint Paul Island, together with the Fort Ross Conservancy. Created to ensure that Alaska Native people could tell their own history at Metini–Fort Ross, the event honors the many Alaska Native communities whose ancestors lived, worked, built, hunted, and planted there during the Russian-American period. Today, Alaska Native Day is an annual gathering centered on culture, remembrance, traditional foods, dance, storytelling, and community, while continuing to strengthen the important relationship with the Kashia Pomo on whose ancestral lands the gathering takes place. It also serves as a space for Alaska Native families and descendants to reconnect with one another, share knowledge across generations, and ensure that their history is represented in their own voices. Alexandra Imeshev has also been a major contributor to Alaska Native Day events and a contributing writer to the Fort Ross book, helping preserve and share this important history with future generations. Together, these efforts continue to build a stronger understanding of the enduring Alaska Native presence and legacy at Metini–Fort Ross.
History
Alaska Native Day began in 2014 through the efforts of Dr. Lauren Peters, an Unangax̂ scholar and enrolled member of the Community of Saint Paul Island, together with the Fort Ross Conservancy. Created to ensure that Alaska Native people could tell their own history at Metini–Fort Ross, the event honors the many Alaska Native communities whose ancestors lived, worked, built, hunted, and planted there during the Russian-American period. Today, Alaska Native Day is an annual gathering centered on culture, remembrance, traditional foods, dance, storytelling, and community, while continuing to strengthen the important relationship with the Kashia Pomo on whose ancestral lands the gathering takes place. It also serves as a space for Alaska Native families and descendants to reconnect with one another, share knowledge across generations, and ensure that their history is represented in their own voices. Alexandra Imeshev has also been a major contributor to Alaska Native Day events and a contributing writer to the Fort Ross book, helping preserve and share this important history with future generations. Together, these efforts continue to build a stronger understanding of the enduring Alaska Native presence and legacy at Metini–Fort Ross.
The Team
Dr. Andrew Peters
Lead Historian & Author
Dr. Andrew Peters is an Unangax̂ scholar. He has played a central role in developing Alaska Native Day and works to preserve and share Alaska Native history, culture, and heritage connected to Metini–Fort Ross.
Alexandra Imeshev
Scholar & Researcher
Alexandra Imeshev is a longtime contributor to Alaska Native Day and a writer for the Fort Ross book. Her work supports the preservation and sharing of Alaska Native history, cultural heritage, and the community’s enduring connection to Fort Ross.
Ancestral Respect
We honor the Alaska Native ancestors who lived and worked at Fort Ross, ensuring their presence is felt in every narrative we share.
Cultural Preservation
Safeguarding the intangible heritage of the Metini coastline through rigorous historical research and community outreach.
Core Values
Authentic Storytelling
Bridging the gap between scholarly inquiry and public understanding with voices that are direct descendants of this history.