Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2026

WHEREAS, Alaska has a rich cultural history that includes the values and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; and

WHEREAS, the languages, beliefs, and traditions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders enrich Alaska’s communities and strengthen the cultural fabric of our State; and

WHEREAS, we respect the heritage and traditions of all cultures in Alaska, and we are proud to be Alaskans with a diverse ethnic heritage; and

WHEREAS, generations of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have contributed to our State through their dedication to family, community, hard work, and through their service in the military and public sectors; and

WHEREAS, on May 30, 2026[LW1.1], we have the opportunity to celebrate these cultures during the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Cultural Flag Day, which commemorates significant historical moments including the first raising of the American Flag on Tutuila Island in American Samoa on April 17, 1900; the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843; the contributions of Chinese workers who helped build the transcontinental railroad, completed on May 10, 1869; and the arrival of the first Filipino seamen in Alaska in 1788, whose work later supported the laying of underwater communication cables connecting Southeastern Alaska with Seattle in 1903; and

WHEREAS, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an occasion to recognize and appreciate the history, culture, and achievements of Alaska’s Asian and Pacific Islander Americans.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as:

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to recognize and learn about Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures and the many contributions they have made to Alaska and our nation.

Dated: May 1, 2026