Expanding Opportunities for Tribal Citizen Artisans and Advancing Economic Sovereignty
Tlingit & Haida is proud to announce the opening of Aan Hít (Village House) this summer, a new downtown facility that represents a major step forward in the Tribe’s ongoing Land Back efforts and commitment to economic sovereignty. In January, the Tribe acquired a historic three-story building at 219 South Franklin Street in downtown Juneau, Alaska. This acquisition directly supports Tlingit & Haida’s mission to enhance the economic and cultural resources for the Tribe and tribal citizens.
“We are firmly committed to advancing the economic sovereignty of our people,” said Tlingit & Haida President Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson. “Aan Hít is a tangible reflection of our Land Back initiative—reclaiming land, creating spaces for our people to thrive, and fostering economic empowerment. Aan Hít will serve as a hub for cultural exchange, commerce and tribal citizen empowerment. It’s about a future where our people and arts can be a part of the experience for visitors, as well as create a space for our cultural heritage to be shared with the world.”
Renderings of Aan Hít
Aan Hít Offerings:
- Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop:
A warm, welcoming café featuring locally roasted coffee, hot and cold drinks, and grab-and-go meals and baked goods provided by Smokehouse Catering.
- Retail Shop:
A curated storefront showcasing Shop Tlingit & Haida merchandise, tribal citizen consignment artwork, and other Northwest Coast Native products.
- Tribal Citizen Artisan Vendor Tables:
Located on the second floor, these tables offer tribal citizen artists a prime space to showcase and sell their work. Online reservations open soon, with tables available for just $50/day beginning early June.
- Tlingit & Haida Printing & Engraving Business:
The third floor will house the Tribe’s expanding entrepreneurial ventures in silk screen printing, embroidery, and engraving.
“We are proud to offer a space where tribal citizens can not only work, create and sell their art, but also engage with visitors who want to learn about our rich cultural history,” said Leslie Isaacs, Senior Business Enterprise Director.. “This project moves us forward in our broader efforts to preserve and share Southeast Alaska Indigenous knowledge while also driving economic growth. It exemplifies how our people can thrive when we are empowered with the land, space and resources to realize our potential.”
Certified Tribal Artist Opportunity
Tlingit & Haida encourages tribal citizens to apply for the Certified Tribal Artist (CTA) program, which provides access to exclusive opportunities, recognition, and sales platforms. Enrolling in the CTA program allows artists to sign up for vendor opportunities at Aan Hít.
Stay tuned for upcoming announcements—registration for the Certified Tribal Artist program and Artisan Vendor Table Reservations will be opening soon.
About Aan Hít (Village House)
The building, originally constructed in 1913 and fully renovated, now bears the name Aan Hit, meaning “Village House” in Lingít. Located at the intersection of South Franklin Street and Ferry Way, the facility encompasses 9,470 square feet and sits on a 7,500 square-foot lot, providing a strategic and high-traffic location ideal for cultural and economic initiatives.
This acquisition is a key part of Tlingit & Haida’s Land Back initiative, reaffirming the Tribe’s commitment to reclaiming land, revitalizing cultural identity, and investing in community-led economic growth.