A three-year restoration project has begun on St. Nicholas Church, a Russian Orthodox church in Alaska, which is a vestige of Russia's attempt to colonize the state. The church, located in the Alaska Native village of Eklutna, is an important touchstone for Alaska Natives, who have supported the restoration. The project is funded by a grant from the National Park Service, and preservationists hope it will lead to further work to preserve the church's religious icons and the spirit houses in partnership with the tribe.