[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6] [Senate] [Page 8160] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING THE ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE CENTER Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I rise to honor the opening of the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, Alaska. The Heritage Center, the first of its kind in Alaska, is a twenty-six acre campus that offers a unique opportunity to learn and explore the traditional ways of Alaska Native cultures. The Center will be a ``gathering place'' where local residents and visitors to Alaska can meet Native Tradition Bearers, artists and performers. While visiting, they can learn about the Native traditional lifestyle by participating in workshops and guided tours of the five traditional village settings that have been built around a lake on the campus. In 1994, I was privileged to add the Stevens/Murkowski Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development Act as an amendment to the School-to-Work Opportunities Act. This amendment paved the way for authorizing federal funding for the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Congressman Don Young was instrumental in winning House approval for the measure. Over the past six years, Senator Stevens has been successful in securing matching federal funds for the Center--I am proud to say the Center isn't just a federal project, but a statewide project funded by individuals, private companies, Native Corporations and friends from outside the State who were united in a common dream. Finally, I would like to commend the vision and relentless dedication of the Chairman of the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Mr. Roy Huhndorf. The Heritage Center is a tribute to his leadership and determination to ensure a vibrant and continuing celebration of Alaska Native traditions and cultures for years to come. ____________________