Agreement between Goldbelt Heritage and UAS carves path for traditional canoe and hands-on learning

Agreement between Goldbelt Heritage and UAS carves path for traditional canoe and hands-on learning

December 19, 2025

Carving on a 28-foot yaakw (dugout canoe) and educational programming have begun on the University of Alaska Southeast Juneau Campus, following a memorandum of understanding between the university and the Goldbelt Heritage Foundation.

The memorandum establishes a carving work site, fosters collaboration between the entities, and increases access to cultural activities, particularly for local students.

Tlingit Master Carver and UAS Associate Professor Kaajis.yoodzi.áxk Wayne Price is working alongside UAS apprentice artists and student carvers to complete the canoe.

"It's about the transfer of knowledge - higher education with cultural knowledge," Price said.

While carving is underway, K-12 students from the Juneau School District are taking field trips to the work site to participate in programming centered on traditional carving, watercraft making and STEM.

At Thunder Mountain Middle School, 160 students are making traditional paddles with programmatic coordination and support from the Goldbelt Heritage Foundation.

"The foundation is glad to be able to provide Juneau youth with a chance for hands-on learning and instruction," said Miranda Bell, Goldbelt Heritage Foundation cultural programs manager. "Not only does it support our middle school students, but it's also an opportunity for young apprentices to gain knowledge and experience with youth and student engagement."

The dugout canoe carvers are using tools that range from adzes to chainsaws as they trim the cedar log to a thickness of 1 to 1.5 inches. Once complete, the ocean-going vessel will be able to navigate through 3 to 4-foot waves.

"Our cultural heritage has been taking care of us for 10,000 years-we shouldn't doubt it. And we want everyone to benefit from it," Price said.

Yaakw are paddled year-round by groups known as canoe families. "You practice together, train together, hold each other up, prepare for that journey," Price said. "Something happens when you're out on the water - it's healing. It changes lives fast."

This is the 18th dugout Price has carved. Several have been paddled by canoe families from Haines to Juneau for Celebration, a biennial dance and culture festival celebrating the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. Hosted by Sealaska Heritage Institute since 1982, Celebration has become a major gathering in Juneau.

The yaakw is expected to be completed in spring 2026 and may make its inaugural journey to Celebration on June 3.

"UAS is honored to support this work, which reflects our mission as an Alaska Native-serving institution," said Carin Silkaitis, UAS dean of Arts and Sciences. "By creating space for cultural learning and hands-on artistry, we are helping ensure these traditions thrive for future generations. When students learn traditional carving techniques with Tlingit Master Carver Wayne Price, we are giving them an opportunity they will carry with them for the rest of their lives."

"This canoe is for future generations of our Juneau youth for years to come," Bell said. "This traditional dugout will support their development and learning. We're so grateful for the opportunity to partner with UAS on this monumental carving project. It's the perfect space to host Tlingit Master Carver Wayne Price and his apprentices and student carvers. We look forward to the year ahead, working with Price and the university."

See additional photos in original press release.