The Totem Heritage Center’s Native Arts Studies Program is dedicated to perpetuating Northwest Coast Native art and tradition. Classes are offered annually in weaving, basketry, design, carving, and regalia making.
The Totem Heritage Center’s Native Arts Studies Program is dedicated to perpetuating Northwest Coast Native art and tradition. Classes are offered annually in weaving, basketry, design, carving, and regalia making.
The Totem Heritage Center serves as a cultural center for the artistic traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people. The Center offers annual classes in the Northwest Coast arts including carving, basketry, weaving, and regalia making. Visiting and local instructors accomplished in the Northwest Coast Native style of art teach these classes to perpetuate and strengthen the traditional arts through their students. Students may work independently, pursue a Certificate of Merit, and earn University of Alaska credit.
Whether your interest in Northwest Coast art is new or you’ve been weaving, carving, or making regalia for years, the Totem Heritage Center’s Native Arts Studies Program has a class to meet your needs. Classes usually run for one to two weeks October through April.
We’ve updated our registration process and students will register for each class on a separate form. Registration forms will switch to digital for classes starting in January. December classes still use the old form and are linked below.
Registration will open a month prior to the first day of class and students will be admitted on a first-come first-serve basis. Students can complete their registration online or stop by the Totem Heritage Center between 1–5:00 PM Tuesday–Saturday and staff can assist. Payment for the class registration fee – whether via credit card, cash, or submitting an Esther Shea Cultural Studies Scholarship – is needed to confirm registration.
KIC STUDENTS: Click here for a downloadable Esther Shea Cultural Studies Program scholarship application.
Native Arts Studies Program Class Policies & Program Participation Agreement.
We look forward to seeing you in class!
SPRING BREAK CEDAR BARK WEAVING (ages 10 and up)
Instructor: Christina Weber
March 16 – 20, 2026
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM weekdays
Register
BEADING WORKSHOP #3
Instructor: Janice Jackson
March 21, 2026
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Register
BEGINNING CARVING: PADDLES
Instructor: Tommy Joseph
March 23 – 29, 2026
5:30 - 8:30 PM weekdays, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM weekends
Register
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED CEDAR BARK WEAVING: HATS
Instructor: Kandi McGilton
April 6 – 16, 2026
5:30 - 8:30 PM weekdays, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM weekends
Registration open early to allow time for students to prep their materials.
Register
CEDAR BARK HARVESTING
May/June
Instructor: TBD
Fill out the Native Arts Studies Program Instructor Application and email it to MarniRickelmann@ketchikan.gov or stop by the Heritage Center and speak with staff.
Be part of a proud legacy that celebrates accomplished artists dedicated to upholding First Nations creative traditions. Native Arts Studies Program students can earn an award for excellence in Carving, Weaving, or Regalia that honors learning and sharing knowledge and the strength of their work.
The Certificate of Merit is also a record of achievement that is a helpful tool for further opportunities including scholarships, grants, teaching positions, additional education, representation, or exhibition in galleries and museums, and more.
