Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall
SitkaAlaskaLocated in the coastal city of Sitka, the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) Hall was listed as a National Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The building is significant for being the original chapterhouse of the Alaska Native Brotherhood (and related Alaska Native Sisterhood), an Alaska-wide, native organization that was founded by Tlingits in 1912 to fight discrimination against Alaska's Natives, gain full citizenship for them and obtain recognition of their rights and compensation for their lands. More recently, the joint organizations have worked to preserve native heritage by supporting projects such as "Alaska Totems: a heritage in peril," restoration of Chief Shakes Community House and passage of the Alaska Historic Preservation Act.
Built in Sitka's harbor in 1914 as a meeting hall and original ANB headquarters, the two-story, 40 x 60-foot frame structure remains a symbol of the political power attained by the organization. The hall also serves as a true community resource today, as it hosts the town's farmers market, bingo games, traditional and western dances and other events.
The most threatened parts of the building are its deteriorating pilings, which must withstand tides that periodically bring water within six inches of the floor. In addition, the upper portion of the building contains asbestos that must be mitigated. Original interior fabric is also slowly being replaced by more contemporary materials that threaten the historic integrity of the building. In 2008 the hall's owner requested $50,000 from the FY09 State legislature for repairs to the roof, foundation and electrical system, but the project was vetoed. The ANB is planning its 100th anniversary celebration in 2012, to be hosted in the hall. Accordingly, stabilization of the pilings and restoration of the interior are vital.
For more information on The Alaskan Native Brotherhood Hall, click here.
