Page 76 - eatg

1600-foot length and cantilevered design made it
ILANKA CULTURAL CENTER an engineering marvel of its time. The bridge was
originally constructed as part of the 196-mile railroad
A Living Legacy in the Heart of Cordova system built by J.P. Morgan and the Guggenheim
family to transport $200 million worth of copper ore
from the Kennicott mine to the port of Cordova, for
share the stories, and knowledge passed shipping to Tacoma, Washington. The mine closed in
down through generations. Each piece in the 1938 and work began in the 1950s to convert the old
museum holds deep meaning—many ancestral railbed to a roadway.
belongings were once traded, stolen, or kept During the 1964 Good Friday earthquake, the
in collections across the globe, and those that northernmost span collapsed into the Copper River,
remain are treated with reverence and care. halting further development of the Copper River
Beyond its exhibits, Ilanka hosts community Highway and creating one of Cordova’s most
events and workshops that help keep traditions photographed attractions. Flooding in 1995 raised the
alive—whether it’s through language, dance, or possibility that the earthquake damaged bridge would
the passing on of traditional skills. The center
is a place of preservation and outreach, where ultimately collapse into the river, depositing debris on
cultural traditions are thriving and visitors are Miles Glacier and harming the Copper River salmon
Tucked between the sparkling waters of encouraged to explore and connect. run. State engineers determined that even with a $19
Prince William Sound and the winding beauty The Ilanka Cultural Center Gift Store million price tag, it would be far less costly to repair
of the Copper River Delta, Cordova, Alaska is is proud to feature Indigenously created the bridge than to remove it or clean up after a more
a place where wild landscapes and rich history artwork, jewelry, wallets, slippers, hats, and a serious collapse.
collide. Nestled in the heart of the Chugach wide variety of other handmade items—not The mammoth undertaking of stabilizing and
Rainforest, this small coastal town holds just from around Alaska, but also from local repairing the bridge began in the fall of 2003. Work
deep cultural roots and an enduring spirit of Indigenous artists in Cordova. It’s a meaningful crews labored year-round through the winter for two
resilience—and at its center stands the Ilanka way for visitors to support Native artisans and years under some of the most severe conditions in the
Cultural Center. take home a piece of authentic culture. world. Steel workers spent long hours suspended over
Located right along Cordova’s main street, For travelers looking to experience a more the icy waters of the Copper River for most of this time.
the Ilanka Cultural Center is more than just meaningful side of Alaska, a stop at the Ilanka The work entailed raising Span Four of the Bridge out
a museum. It’s a vibrant gathering space, Cultural Center offers just that—a chance to of the river and replacing the damaged and missing
gift shop, Tribal library, and cultural anchor engage with the voices, history, and art of the structural steel members on both Span Three and Span
operated by the Native Village of Eyak—a people who have called this region home for Four. The existing unstable Pier Three was demolished
federally recognized Tribal government centuries. Whether you’re exploring Cordova’s and replaced with a new pier similar in shape and color
working to preserve and revitalize Indigenous scenic beauty or discovering its cultural
heritage. depth, the center offers a unique and moving to Piers One and Two.
The Ilanka Cultural Center, created in 2004 perspective. In the summer of 2005, Alaska Governor Murkowski
under the guidance of respected Elders, had A visit to Ilanka isn’t just a journey into the led the ribbon cutting ceremony marking the complete
a powerful mission: to protect and share the past—it’s an encounter with a living culture, restoration of the bridge, which was added to the
diverse cultural legacy of the Eyak people. The one that’s growing, healing, and thriving in the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. With the
center also recognizes the deep connections present. And in a place as breathtaking and collapsed span firmly back in place on new concrete
between the Eyak, Sugpiaq (Alutiiq), Chugach, soulful as Cordova, it’s a reminder that Alaska’s
Tlingit, and Ahtna Athabascan peoples, whose greatest treasures are not just its mountains
histories, trade routes, and cultures have and pristine waters, but the stories of the
long been intertwined in this region. “Ilanka” people who continue to shape them.
means “family” in Sugt’stun, the language of A place of living history, the Ilanka Cultural
the Sugpiaq (Alutiiq) people, and that spirit of Center honors and shares the heritage of our
unity is immediately felt the moment you walk Native people. Visit our Tribal Museum and
through its doors. browse the gift store featuring handcrafted art
The center serves as a powerful symbol of by local Tribal Members and unique Indigenous-
cultural preservation and education. Inside, made items from across Alaska. Experience
visitors will find precious artifacts, handmade culture, connection, and community in every
regalia, traditional artwork, and exhibits that visit.

Although erosion has at least temporarily limited
road access for the last quarter of the trip, the drive
along the Copper River Highway heading east
from downtown Cordova through the river delta is
considered one of Alaska’s most scenic. The highway
passes through a spectacular landscape of rugged
mountains and glaciers, icy blue ponds, and fishing
streams, where the short side road to Sheridan Glacier
at mile 13 is a must do. The road used to terminate at
the Childs Glacier Recreation Area, a popular hiking
and sightseeing spot where the impressive 350’ glacier
meets the Copper River. A washout at Bridge 339 has
made the 49-mile road impassible from Mile 36 on,
but tour operators are available to shuttle visitors to
the Childs Glacier and Million Dollar Bridge area via
airboat and plane. It is not uncommon to see Child’s
Glacier actively “calve” house-sized chunks of ice into
the river with a thunderous roar. Wildlife such as black
bear, moose, beaver, mountain goats, trumpeter swans,
and numerous other species of birds can be observed
along the road. The historic Million Dollar Bridge lies
in the same vicinity.
Completed in 1910 at a cost of 1.4 million dollars,
the remote location of the bridge, its impressive

178