Alaska Native Heritage Center Adds Director of Cultural Programs to Leadership Team
Photo Credit: Jovell Rennie | Alaska Native Heritage Center
In the newly established leadership role of Director of Cultural Programs, Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) appointed Karla Gatgyedm Hana’ax Booth. Previously the manager of the center’s Ch’k’iqadi Gallery, Booth’s new role gives her oversight of designing, implementing, and evaluating cultural programs and community services.
Booth is Tsm’syen of the Raven Clan, with family from Metlakatla. She has been a dancer with the Lepquinm Gumilgit Gagoadim Tsimshian Dancers of Anchorage since 2005. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Alaska Native literature with a minor in Alaska Native Studies from UAA.
Her professional experience includes supporting Alaska Native and rural students through UAA, leading statewide Indigenous leadership initiatives at the First Alaskans Institute, and most recently serving as ANHC’s Ch’k’iqadi Gallery Manager, where she elevated Alaska Native artists and strengthened cultural representation through curation and community collaboration.
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January 2026
“It’s an honor to serve our Alaska Native people in this role,” says Booth. “I look forward to the creative ways that our team will continue to celebrate who we are with our community and support the transfer of knowledge between our generations.”
In her new role, Booth works closely with ANHC President and CEO Kelsey Ciugun Wallace to guide the ongoing vision and strategic direction of ANHC’s cultural programming. She is also supporting the transition and onboarding of the next Ch’k’iqadi Gallery manager.
“Karla brings an extraordinary depth of cultural knowledge, community connection, and professional experience to this role,” says Wallace. “As ANHC steps boldly into its next chapter, we must ensure that our cultural programming remains culturally grounded, community-centered, and carried forward with integrity. Establishing this position reflects a long-term strategic investment in the future of ANHC and the generations we serve. We are honored to welcome Karla into this leadership role.”
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