Last summer, Ahtna, Inc. and the National Park Service (NPS) once again collaborated to offer an incredible professional development opportunity for Native youth through the Ahtna National Park Service Internship Program. Based out of the Ahtna Cultural Center located at the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Visitor Center in Copper Center, Alaska, this internship provides hands-on training and cultural learning in one of the most pristine and remote locations in the state.
From May to September, the program welcomed five Ahtna shareholders, including four interns and one supervisor, who were hired to participate in a range of activities focused on Ahtna heritage, interpretation, fieldwork, and professional development. This internship, supported through partnership with and funding from the National Park Service, is designed to immerse the youth in cultural and career-building experiences.
Hands-On Learning in Ahtna Heritage and Professional Skills
The internship provides a rich combination of cultural education and professional training, with opportunities for the youth to gain valuable skills in interpretation, customer service, education programming, and more. A significant part of the internship includes providing visitor services at the Ahtna Cultural Center, where the youth work closely with NPS staff to guide visitors through the history and culture of Ahtna people.
In addition to interpretation and customer service, the interns are involved in field projects, often traveling to remote sites for data collection and cultural observations. One of the highlights of the 2024 season was the addition of several backcountry trips, allowing youth to gain firsthand experience in wilderness survival, outdoor leadership, and fieldwork. With training in Wilderness First Aid, Bear Safety, and Backpacking Essentials, the youth were equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the wild.
Enriching Experiences with Cultural and Leadership Development
The internship offered much more than just professional development. It allowed the youth to immerse themselves in Ahtna’s cultural practices and traditions. From learning traditional cooking techniques like fry bread and fish, to participating in salmon harvesting and packaging for Elders, the youth were able to contribute meaningfully to their communities. They also attended various cultural camps, including the Gakona and Chitina Village Culture Camps, where they participated in activities such as beading, singing traditional songs, and cooking meals.
Leadership training was also a key focus of the program. Interns were given the opportunity to work with younger youth, ages 14-16, and guide them through outdoor activities and team-building exercises. These youth also participated in significant events like the Youth and Elders Conference, where they learned the roles of men and women in Ahtna culture.
Additionally, the interns engaged in workshops on boardroom training, learning Robert’s Rules of Order with Ahtna’s Legal Team, and gaining exposure to the business side of Ahtna through job shadowing with Natural Resource Technicians, administrative assistants, and even the VP of Land and Resources.
A Summer Full of Adventures and Exploration
The 2024 internship season was filled with both adventure and academic learning. Interns had the opportunity to take part in exciting trips, such as a five-day excursion to Nizina Glacier, where they rafted and swam in glacier-fed waters, hiked to a waterfall, and explored an old cabin. Other notable experiences included helicopter T-100 training, a Digital Archaeology Project to digitize artifact cards, and a fly-in camping trip to explore obsidian in its natural state with Cultural Anthropologists.
Through these experiences, the interns gained a wealth of knowledge in everything from salmon biology to medicinal plant use. The season culminated in the interns’ Capstone Presentations, showcasing their experiences and accomplishments to Ahtna, Inc. and NPS staff.
Looking Ahead to the Future
The Ahtna National Park Service Internship program continues to grow, with the 2024 season marking another successful year. By expanding the program to include more youth, the internship has provided opportunities for individuals at varying levels of experience. With increased support for backcountry projects and continued efforts to secure the necessary supplies for successful camping trips, Ahtna, Inc. is looking forward to a bright future for its interns in 2025.
One of the biggest successes of the program has been the return of youth participants for multiple seasons. One intern, for example, has worked with Ahtna for three consecutive years, showcasing the impact this program has on youth development and its ability to offer long-term career opportunities. With continued funding and support from the National Park Service, the internship program will provide even more Native youth with the tools they need to succeed both in the workforce and as leaders in their communities.
Ahtna is proud to provide these life-changing opportunities and looks forward to the growth and success of future internship seasons.
More Info or to Apply for Summer 2025
For more information about the Ahtna National Park Service Internship Program, or to apply for upcoming seasons, please visit https://www.ahtna.com/shareholders/intern/.