The Ahtna Heritage Dancers is a young Ahtna Athabascan traditional dance group. The dance group members are school-age children who are often joined by other Ahtna tribal members. Dance and song instruction is provided by Ahtna Elders. In recent years, the dance group has performed at events such as the Alaska Federation of Natives annual convention, Quyana, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Native Village of Eyak’s Sobriety Celebration, and local events in the Copper River Area.

The dance group members learn by listening to elders and memorizing song recordings. Elders interpret the songs so the children understand the meaning of them. Many of the songs were composed by Ahtna elders who have passed on and special permissions were given to the Dance Group in order for them to sing the songs. Being allowed to sing a song carries enormous responsibility so the group works hard to do them correctly.

From June until August of 2010, the Ahtna Heritage Dance Group will be practicing and performing at the Ahtna Cultural Center near Copper Center.