Turning Heads Kennel

Alaska Dog Sledding Tours

Dog Sledding Basics

What Is an Alaskan Husky?

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A clear guide to the most efficient sled dog in the world

The Alaskan Husky is not a breed in the traditional sense. It is a purpose-built working dog—developed over generations to perform one job exceptionally well: travel long distances efficiently in harsh winter conditions.

While most dogs are bred to meet a visual standard, the Alaskan Husky has been bred to meet a performance standard. Appearance is secondary. Function is everything.

That distinction is what makes the Alaskan Husky one of the most unique and effective working dogs in the world.

A Dog Defined by Performance

If you line up a group of Alaskan Huskies, they will not look the same.

Some resemble Siberian Huskies. Others look closer to hounds or pointers. Coat types, ear shapes, and eye colors vary widely.

What they share is not appearance—it’s capability.

An Alaskan Husky is defined by a consistent set of traits:

  • Endurance over long distances
  • Efficient movement and energy use
  • Mental willingness to work
  • Adaptability in extreme conditions

In other words, they are not bred to look a certain way. They are bred to perform a certain way.

Origins: Built From the North

The foundation of the Alaskan Husky traces back to Indigenous sled dogs of the Arctic, which were developed over thousands of years for transportation and survival.

These dogs were essential. They hauled supplies, connected communities, and made travel possible in environments where other forms of transportation did not exist.

As Alaska developed—through exploration, mail routes, and the gold rush—those original dogs were selectively bred with others brought from outside regions.

The goal was never to create a uniform breed. It was to improve function.

Speed, endurance, durability, and efficiency became the guiding criteria for breeding decisions.

The Evolution of the Modern Alaskan Husky

The modern Alaskan Husky took shape alongside the rise of sled dog racing.

Early races like the All-Alaska Sweepstakes in the early 1900s, and later long-distance races like the Iditarod, created a new level of demand. Dogs needed to move faster, recover more efficiently, and maintain performance over hundreds of miles.

Mushers began refining their breeding programs accordingly.

Different lines were introduced strategically:

  • Hound and pointer lines contributed speed and cardiovascular efficiency
  • Northern dog lines contributed coat, durability, and cold tolerance
  • Other working breeds were incorporated where they added functional value

Over time, this produced a dog that is highly specialized for endurance racing.

Not standardized. Not uniform. But extremely effective.

What Makes an Alaskan Husky Different

The simplest way to understand the Alaskan Husky is this:

It is not bred to meet expectations. It is bred to meet demands.

That shows up in a few key ways.

First, efficiency matters more than power. These dogs are built to travel far, not just to pull hard. Their gait, metabolism, and even how they rest are optimized for long-distance movement.

Second, mindset is as important as physical ability. A dog can have all the physical tools in the world, but if it doesn’t have the desire to run and work as part of a team, it won’t succeed.

And third, adaptability is critical. Trail conditions change constantly—weather, terrain, and pace all shift throughout a race. The dogs that thrive are the ones that can adjust without losing focus.

Size, Appearance, and Variation

Most Alaskan Huskies fall somewhere between 40 and 60 pounds, but beyond that, there is no single standard.

You’ll see variation in:

  • Coat length and density
  • Color and markings
  • Ear shape and structure
  • Body type depending on the kennel and purpose

Sprint dogs may look different from distance dogs. Some lines are lighter and faster, others slightly heavier and more durable.

This variation is not a flaw—it’s a direct result of breeding for function instead of uniformity.

The Role of the Alaskan Husky Today

Today, the Alaskan Husky remains the dominant dog in long-distance mushing.

They are the dogs you see in races like the Iditarod and Yukon Quest, as well as in working kennels across Alaska and other northern regions.

Beyond racing, they continue to serve as working animals—used for transportation, guiding, and tourism operations where reliability and temperament matter just as much as performance.

They are also central to the culture of mushing itself.

Not because of how they look, but because of what they can do.

A Living Line, Not a Fixed Breed

One of the most important things to understand about the Alaskan Husky is that it is not static.

It continues to evolve.

Breeding decisions are still made based on performance, health, and temperament—not on maintaining a closed standard. That means the Alaskan Husky today is slightly different than it was 20 years ago, and it will continue to change as mushers refine their programs.

This is not a limitation. It’s the reason the Alaskan Husky remains so effective.

Final Thought

The Alaskan Husky represents a different way of thinking about dogs.

Not as something to standardize—but as something to develop.

It is a dog shaped by environment, purpose, and partnership. And while it may not fit neatly into the definition of a traditional breed, it has become the gold standard for what a working sled dog can be.

How to Qualify for the Iditarod: What it actually takes to earn a spot on the starting line

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Qualifying for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is not a single step—it’s a process that unfolds over years.

From the outside, it can look like a matter of completing a few races and submitting an application. In reality, the qualification system is designed to answer a much bigger question:

Can this musher safely and responsibly manage a dog team across 1,000 miles of remote Alaska?

Every requirement—formal or informal—exists to answer that.

How to Qualify for the Iditarod

What it actually takes to earn a spot on the starting line

Qualifying for the Iditarod, the famous long-distance sled dog race in Alaska, involves several steps designed to ensure the safety and preparedness of both the mushers and their dog teams. Here’s an overview of the qualification process:

It Starts Long Before the Qualifying Races

Most Iditarod rookies don’t begin by targeting the race directly. They begin by building experience—handling dogs, learning how to manage a team, and understanding what it means to care for sled dogs day after day.

By the time a musher lines up for their first qualifier, they’ve usually already spent years in kennels, on training runs, and in smaller races. The qualifiers are not where you learn mushing—they’re where you demonstrate that you’ve already learned it.

Qualifying Races Are a Test of Judgment

The formal requirements include completing a series of approved races—typically two mid-distance events around 300 miles and one shorter race around 150 miles. But the mileage itself is not the point.

What these races actually test is decision-making.

Over the course of several days, mushers are managing fatigue, changing weather, trail conditions, and the needs of their team. They are deciding when to rest, when to push forward, and when to adjust a plan that is no longer working. The way a team is managed during these races matters far more than how fast it moves.

Finishing a qualifier shows that you can complete the distance. How you finish shows whether you are ready for more.

Dog Care Is the Standard Everything Is Measured Against

At every stage of the qualification process, dog care is the constant.

Veterinary checks are part of the system, but they are only one piece of it. What matters more is the consistency of a musher’s decisions—how they feed and hydrate their dogs, how they monitor for fatigue or injury, and how quickly they respond when something seems off.

Experienced mushers approach this with a preventative mindset. The goal is to avoid problems before they arise, not react after the fact. Over time, that shows up in the condition of the team and in the choices made along the trail.

This is what race officials—and other mushers—are paying attention to

The Application Process

Once qualifying races are completed, mushers submit an application to enter the race.The Application Reflects a Track Record

Once qualifying races are complete, mushers submit an application to enter the race. On paper, this includes race history and experience. In reality, it reflects something broader: a track record.

By this point, a musher’s approach to dog care, decision-making, and preparation is already visible within the community. The application formalizes that, but it does not replace it.

Approval Is a Deliberate Decision

Entry into the Iditarod is not automatic, even after the basic requirements are met.

The Iditarod Trail Committee reviews each applicant and makes a determination based on overall readiness. Experience matters, but so does judgment. Dog care matters, but so does consistency. The goal is not simply to allow qualified mushers to enter, but to ensure they are prepared for the reality of the race.

The environment is remote, the margin for error is small, and the responsibility is significant. That standard shapes the final decision.

reparation Extends Beyond Racing

Qualifying is not only about racing experience. It also requires the ability to operate independently in difficult conditions.

Mushers are responsible for their own equipment, their own systems, and their own problem-solving on the trail. That includes managing gear, navigating weather, and caring for both themselves and their dogs over extended periods without direct support.

Rookie orientation helps reinforce expectations, but it does not replace experience. By that stage, mushers are expected to arrive prepared.

The Financial Reality

There is also a financial component that cannot be overlooked.

Qualifying requires sustained investment—dog care, training, travel to races, and equipment all carry ongoing costs. Entry fees are only one part of the picture. Just as important is the ability to absorb unexpected expenses, whether that comes in the form of veterinary care, gear replacement, or changing conditions during training and racing.

Like every other aspect of mushing, financial preparation is about consistency. It ensures that care does not fluctuate when circumstances do.

Qualification Reflects Readiness

The Iditarod qualification process is not meant to be a barrier—it is meant to be a filter.

By the time a musher reaches the starting line, they have already demonstrated the ability to manage a team, make sound decisions, and maintain a high standard of care over time. The race itself is an extension of that foundation, not the beginning of it.

What the qualification process ultimately measures is not just experience, but readiness—the kind that is built quietly, over years, long before the Iditarod start line comes into view.

What Qualification Doesn’t Prepare You For

Even after meeting every requirement, there is a shared understanding among mushers: qualification does not mean full preparation. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is 1,000 miles of variables—weather, trail conditions, fatigue, and decision-making that compounds over time. There is no way to fully simulate that. Qualification builds the foundation, but the experience itself is something each musher learns in real time, mile by mile.

How to Become a Dog Musher: A Realistic Look at Entering the World of Sled Dogs

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Dog mushing is often introduced through images—the quiet of a winter trail, a team moving in rhythm, mountains stretching out in every direction. And while those moments are real, they are the result of something much less visible: daily care, repetition, and a long-term commitment to a group of dogs who depend on you.

At its core, mushing is not something you try once and decide to pursue. It is something you grow into. The learning curve is steep, the responsibility is constant, and the work exists long before and long after any run.

For those drawn to it, the path forward is less about acquiring gear or even dogs, and more about understanding what the lifestyle actually requires.

Start by Understanding the Commitment of Owning Sled Dogs

Dog mushing exists on a spectrum—from recreational teams that run a few miles at a time to long-distance racing at the level of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. What connects all of it is not the distance or speed, but the consistency of care behind the scenes.

Even a small team requires daily attention. Dogs are fed, watered, and monitored regardless of weather. Conditioning happens gradually over months, not days. Equipment needs maintenance. Schedules revolve around the dogs more than anything else.

This is where many people make their first real decision: whether they are interested in the experience of mushing, or in the responsibility that comes with it. The two are inseparable.

Learn Inside a Working Sled Dog Kennel

The most effective way to begin is by stepping into an existing operation and learning from people who are already doing it well.

There is no substitute for time spent in a kennel. It is where you start to understand the rhythm of the work—how dogs are managed day to day, how small details are noticed and addressed early, and how much of mushing happens off the sled.

What often stands out to newcomers is how little of the job is actually running dogs. Most of it is preparation: feeding, cleaning, observing, and making adjustments. It is in these routines that you begin to see the difference between simply owning dogs and truly managing a team.

Dog Care Comes Before Everything Else

Driving a sled is the visible part of mushing. Dog care is the foundation that supports it.

Experienced mushers approach care with a preventative mindset. The goal is not to solve problems after they arise, but to build systems that reduce the likelihood of those problems in the first place. That includes nutrition, hydration, rest cycles, trail maintenance, and a constant awareness of each dog’s physical and mental condition.

Over time, you learn to notice small changes—subtle shifts in movement, attitude, or appetite—that signal something worth paying attention to. This awareness is what allows teams to stay healthy and perform consistently.

If the dogs are not thriving, nothing else matters. If they are, everything else becomes possible.

Building a Dog Team Takes Time

One of the most common misconceptions about mushing is that it begins with acquiring dogs. In reality, it begins with learning how dogs work together.

A team is not just a collection of individuals. It is a system of relationships—leaders, followers, different energy levels, different personalities—and those dynamics evolve over time. What works one season may shift the next as dogs mature and roles change.

Most teams of racing sled dogs are made up of Alaskan Huskies, bred for endurance, attitude, and adaptability. Even within that, no two dogs are the same. Part of becoming a musher is learning how to place dogs in positions where they succeed, and how to adjust when they don’t.

There is no shortcut to this. It is built through repetition, observation, and a willingness to adapt.

The Learning Curve on the Sled

When people picture mushing, they often imagine the moment the sled starts moving. What they don’t see is how much of that moment depends on everything leading up to it.

Learning to drive a sled involves more than memorizing commands. It is about timing, awareness, and decision-making. You are reading terrain, anticipating how your team will respond, and making adjustments in real time.

The commands—“gee,” “haw,” “whoa”—are straightforward. What takes longer is learning how to use them effectively, when to say nothing, and how to let the dogs work.

With experience, the communication becomes quieter and more intuitive. The best teams operate with a level of trust that goes beyond words.

Training Is Built Over Time, Not Intensity

Conditioning a team is a gradual process. Early runs are short and controlled. Distances increase slowly. Strength and endurance are developed over weeks and months, not pushed all at once.

Consistency matters more than intensity. Dogs—and mushers—benefit from a steady progression rather than sporadic effort.

Training is also where the relationship between musher and team is built. It is where expectations become clear, where trust is reinforced, and where you begin to understand what your team is capable of.

The Role of Community

Mushing has always been a community-driven sport. Knowledge is passed down through experience, often informally, and access to that knowledge can shape how quickly you progress.

Being around other mushers—at races, in kennels, or through shared work—provides context that is difficult to gain on your own. You see different approaches, learn from mistakes (both yours and others’), and develop a broader understanding of the sport.

For most people, the path into mushing is not independent. It is built through connection.

Choosing Your Direction

As you gain experience, the path begins to take shape.

Some mushers are drawn to racing, where structure and competition provide a clear framework. Others gravitate toward expedition travel, where the focus is on distance, terrain, and self-sufficiency. Many find a balance between the two.

There is no single correct direction. What matters is that the choice aligns with your goals and how you train your team. You must identify your goals and train your team around those goals. A musher looking to run a trap line is going to train differently than a musher looking to do long distance racing and a musher doing long distance racing is going to train differently than those doing sprint races.

The Financial Reality of Running a Kennel

One aspect of mushing that is often overlooked is the financial commitment required to properly care for a team of sled dogs. Beyond the initial costs of acquiring dogs and equipment, there are ongoing expenses that don’t pause—high-quality food, veterinary care, bedding, transportation, and gear replacement all add up over time. Just as important is preparing for the unexpected. Injuries, illness, extreme weather, or equipment failure can introduce costs quickly and without warning.

Experienced mushers plan for this. They build in margin, knowing that responsible dog care means being able to respond immediately when something isn’t right. Financial stability isn’t about luxury—it’s about ensuring that your dogs receive consistent, high-quality care regardless of circumstances. It’s one of the less visible parts of mushing, but it’s foundational to doing it well.

Final Thoughts: It’s Built Over Years

Becoming a dog musher is not defined by a single milestone. It is built gradually, through daily routines and long-term commitment.

The work is repetitive. The learning is ongoing. The responsibility does not turn off.

But over time, something else develops alongside it—a level of understanding between you and your dogs that is difficult to describe until you experience it. Movement becomes more fluid. Communication becomes quieter. The work, while still demanding, begins to feel natural.

For those who stay with it, mushing becomes less about the act of running dogs and more about the relationship that makes it possible.

It is not a quick path, but it is a meaningful one.

How Sled Dogs Keep Their Feet Warm

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A practical look at protection, adaptation, and daily care

One of the most common questions we get—especially from people seeing sled dogs for the first time—is how their feet handle the cold.

It’s a fair question.

Dogs are traveling across snow and ice for hours at a time, often in temperatures well below freezing. But between natural adaptation and consistent care, their feet are remarkably well-equipped for those conditions.

Built for the Cold

Sled dogs have several natural advantages when it comes to handling cold environments.

Their paw pads are structured differently than human skin. They contain fatty tissue that resists freezing and provides a level of built-in insulation. Combined with a dense coat—including fur between their toes—this helps reduce direct exposure to snow and ice.

Circulation also plays a role. Blood flow in the extremities is regulated in a way that helps retain core warmth while still protecting the feet from freezing.

These aren’t accidental traits. They’re the result of generations of dogs being selected for their ability to travel and work in northern climates.

Why Booties Matter

Even with those natural adaptations, protection is still essential—especially over long distances.

Booties are one of the most visible parts of sled dog care. They act as a barrier between the dog’s feet and the trail, protecting against abrasion from ice, hard-packed snow, and uneven terrain.

In practice, we use them regularly—not just when it’s extremely cold, but as part of a consistent routine. It keeps the dogs’ feet in good condition and prevents small issues from turning into bigger ones over time.

Dog Booties are an important part of dog care and one of the biggest racing expenses in Iditarod
How Sled Dogs Keep Their Feet Warm 2

Daily Maintenance and Awareness

Foot care is something that happens continuously, not just at the start or end of a run.

Dogs’ feet are checked often—before runs, after runs, and at stops along the way. We’re looking for small changes: a spot of wear, a crack forming, or anything that could become uncomfortable if ignored.

If something does come up, it’s addressed early.

That’s really the theme of sled dog care overall—small adjustments, made consistently.

Conditioning Over Time

Like anything else in mushing, durability is built gradually.

As dogs train, their feet adapt. Pads become tougher, and tolerance to different trail conditions improves. This doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of steady exposure and thoughtful progression.

The goal isn’t to push through conditions. It’s to prepare for them.

Rest and Recovery

When dogs stop, keeping them out of direct contact with the snow matters.

At checkpoints or on the trail, we use straw to create a dry, insulated place for them to lie down. This helps protect both their bodies and their feet from prolonged exposure to cold surfaces.

Rest isn’t just about recovery—it’s also part of maintaining overall condition, including foot health.

A System, Not a Single Solution

There isn’t one thing that keeps sled dogs’ feet warm.

It’s a combination of factors working together:

  • Natural adaptation
  • Consistent protection
  • Regular monitoring
  • Thoughtful training
  • Proper rest

When all of those pieces are in place, dogs are able to travel comfortably and efficiently—even in conditions that would seem extreme from the outside.

Final Thought

Sled dogs are built for the environments they work in—but they’re also supported by a system of care that’s developed over time.

Foot care is a good example of that balance.

It’s not left to chance, and it’s not reactive. It’s part of the daily rhythm of working with these dogs—and one of the many ways we make sure they stay healthy, comfortable, and capable on the trail.

How Dog Sledding Became an Amazing Part of Alaskan Culture

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Dog sledding is not just a tourist activity in Alaska; it’s an integral part of the state’s rich cultural history and is Alaska’s official state sport. From its early roots as a primary mode of transportation in harsh northern conditions to its modern-day status as an exciting adventure sport, dog sledding has left an indelible mark on Alaskan culture. Let’s explore how dog sledding evolved and became a symbol of resilience, tradition, and adventure.

The Origins of Dog Sledding in Alaska

The history of dog sledding in Alaska is rooted in the traditions of indigenous peoples, long before European settlers arrived. The use of sled dogs dates back thousands of years, with native groups such as the Inuit, Chukchi, and Athabaskan peoples relying on them for transportation across the vast, snowy landscapes of the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. These cultures depended on sled dogs to haul heavy loads, transport goods, and travel long distances between communities.

The dogs used by these indigenous peoples were specifically bred for endurance, strength, and the ability to withstand extreme cold. Many of the sled dogs in Alaska are descendants of these original breeds, including the Alaskan Husky, a working dog that was developed over time to meet the demands of dog sledding in harsh conditions.

The Rise of Dog Sledding for Transportation

As Russian and later American settlers began arriving in Alaska in the 19th century, they soon adopted dog sledding as a necessary form of transportation. With the harsh winter conditions and the vast distances between settlements, dog sledding became the most efficient way to move goods and people across the frozen terrain. Dogs, with their natural ability to endure cold and pull heavy loads, became the go-to option for travel across the snow-covered terrain.

By the late 1800s and early 1900s, dog sledding had become an essential form of transportation for settlers, miners, trappers, and explorers. It was not uncommon for dog sled teams to transport mail, supplies, and even people across miles of snow and ice. The Iditarod Trail, which would later give rise to the famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race, has its origins in the 19th century as a network of established routes used by indigenous people and later formalized by settlers. These trails connected remote communities across Alaska, facilitating trade, mail delivery, and travel.

The Iditarod Trail became particularly prominent in the early 19th century as a winter transportation route for those living in isolated regions. The Iditarod Sled Dog Race, which is now globally recognized, was not founded until 1973. It was established to commemorate the Serum Run and to preserve the legacy of dog sledding in Alaska. The race, which spans over 1,000 miles, celebrates the endurance of sled dogs and their mushers, and it continues to highlight the historical role of dog sledding in Alaskan culture.

Dog Sledding in the 20th Century: From Work to Sport

In the early 1900s, dog sled racing began to gain widespread popularity, with events such as the All Alaska Sweepstakes, first held in 1908, serving as major attractions. The All Alaska Sweepstakes became one of the most prestigious sled dog races of its time, with mushers competing for large cash prizes. Races like this helped to elevate the status of dog sledding in Alaska from a utilitarian means of transportation to a highly competitive and respected sport. These races, along with other regional competitions, contributed to the growing recognition of dog sledding as both a tradition and an exciting form of entertainment.

The Serum Run and the Rise of Dog Sledding’s Legacy

In 1925, the legendary “Serum Run” (also known as the “Great Race of Mercy”) brought national attention to dog sledding. When a diphtheria outbreak threatened the town of Nome, sled dog teams raced across frozen tundra to deliver the life-saving antitoxin. The event demonstrated the strength and endurance of sled dogs, reinforcing their crucial role in Alaska’s history.

Travis Beals departs the 2018 Iditarod dog sled race from Willow, Alaska
Travis Beals sets off from Willow, Alaska, to begin the 2018 Iditarod dog sled race, one of the toughest and most prestigious sled dog races in the world.

The Resurgence of Dog Sledding as a Sport

With the introduction of motor vehicles, airplanes, and more modern infrastructure, the necessity of dog sledding for transportation gradually declined. However, in the mid-20th century, dog sledding experienced a resurgence as a competitive sport. The Iditarod Sled Dog Race, founded in 1973, reignited interest in the tradition of dog sledding and helped solidify its place as both a sport and a symbol of Alaskan heritage.

The Iditarod, which covers over 1,000 miles of Alaska’s wilderness, celebrates the skill and endurance of mushers and their dog teams. Established to preserve the legacy of sled dogs—a vital breed in the North—the race has become a testament to their strength and importance.

This transformation from practical transportation to sport allowed dog sledding to flourish in new ways, gaining popularity among adventure enthusiasts and tourists eager to experience the thrill of the race and the beauty of Alaska’s wild landscape.

Today Alaska is Home to Many Prestigious Sled Dog Races

In addition to the iconic Iditarod, Alaska hosts several other prestigious dog sled races that highlight the skill and endurance of mushers and their dog teams. The Kuskokwim 300 takes place in the heart of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. This challenging 300-mile race tests mushers with its unpredictable weather and rugged terrain, offering a unique experience for both competitors and spectators.

Another notable race is the Copper Basin 300, which takes place in the remote and unforgiving Copper River Basin. Known for its tough conditions and deep snow, this race attracts some of the top mushers in the world, with its route covering over 300 miles of Alaskan wilderness.

The Kobuk 440, held in the northwestern part of the state, is a 440-mile race that follows ancient trade routes used by indigenous peoples. This race is famous for its scenic beauty and its challenge, as mushers navigate the windswept landscapes and harsh Arctic conditions. Each of these races, along with the Iditarod, plays an important role in preserving the tradition of dog sledding, fostering competition, and celebrating the unique bond between mushers and their sled dogs.

Dog Sledding as a Sport and Adventure Activity

Today, dog sledding is not only a way to connect with Alaska’s rich cultural heritage but also an exciting adventure that draws visitors from around the globe. Whether on glaciers, remote trails, or even in the heart of Alaska’s most popular tourist destinations, people can experience firsthand the bond between mushers and their dogs in a way that honors the past while embracing the spirit of adventure.

The Cultural Significance of Dog Sledding

Dog sledding’s significance in Alaska goes beyond its practical uses; it is deeply embedded in the state’s identity. The sport embodies the resilience, strength, and independence that Alaskans are known for. It is a reminder of the challenges faced by early settlers and indigenous peoples, who relied on sled dogs to survive and thrive in one of the world’s most extreme environments.

In modern times, dog sledding has become a symbol of the Alaskan way of life, honoring traditions that have been passed down for generations. It serves as a connection between the past and present, allowing people to experience the very same landscapes and challenges that the original mushers and their dogs faced centuries ago.

From Tradition to Thrill: Dog Sledding’s Role in Alaskan Identity

From its ancient roots as a practical mode of transportation to its transformation into a thrilling adventure sport, dog sledding has played an essential role in shaping Alaskan culture. It connects the past with the present, celebrating the bond between humans and dogs while honoring the resilience and spirit of Alaska’s indigenous peoples and early settlers. Today, whether as a sport, a tradition, or an unforgettable experience for visitors, dog sledding continues to be an enduring part of Alaska’s identity.