Originally conceived as a traditional tribal hall for the Native People of Interior Alaska, this new 12,000 square foot meeting space also evolved into a thriving commercial conference center serving the Fairbanks community. Situated on the banks of the Chena River, the prow-like glassed front extends the interior space onto the river’s edge maintaining the intimate cultural association of Interior Alaska’s indigenous people with the river.

This building features a covered entrance canopy to bring visitors from the outside into a traditional kashim shaped lobby. Made from Spruce log siding provided by local native manufacturers, the kashim provides a warm welcome space for the facility. The hexagonal shape symbolizes the six geographic regions that make up the Tanana Chiefs Conference.

“The Circle of Life,” the central theme of the Tanana Chiefs Conference, surrounds the main assembly hall and is represented in mural on three walls and sculpturally across the front of the hall. This hall contains a dance floor, is flexible with a capacity to seat 750 people in a dining configuration, and can be subdivided into smaller, individually accessible meeting rooms through the use of folding partitions.

A kitchen, administrative offices, public restrooms, outdoor playground, and deck overlooking the river support it. The large glazed front of the hall faces the Chena River with exceptional views of summer and winter activities on the river. Site amenities include lighting, ample parking, a potlatch area, fenced area for children, and a protective handrail along the river’s edge.