Juneau / Dzántik’i Héeni: Where the Flounders Gather
A Tlingit Perspective on the City’s Origins
For the Tlingit people, the city of Juneau has a rich and storied history that predates the arrival of European settlers by centuries. The Tlingit name for Juneau is Dzántik’i Héeni, which translates to “river where the flounders gather.” This name refers to the area around Gold Creek, where the Tlingit would catch the fish that are an essential part of their traditional diet.
The Tlingit people have lived in the Juneau area for thousands of years, with the Áak’w Kwáan (People of the Little Lake) being one of the original inhabitants. The Áak’w Kwáan were a subgroup of the Tlingit Nation, and their traditional lands included the area now known as Auke Bay (Áak’w).
Pre-Gold Rush Tlingit Life in the Juneau Area
Before the arrival of European settlers, the Juneau area was a thriving center of Tlingit culture and commerce. The Tlingit people were skilled hunters, gatherers, and fishermen, and they traded extensively with other tribes in the region. They were also master craftsmen, renowned for their intricate wood carvings, totem poles, and other traditional art forms.
“We were a people of the forest, of the sea, and of the land. We lived in harmony with nature, and we took only what we needed to survive.” — Tlingit elder, as told to the Sealaska Heritage Institute
The arrival of European settlers in the late 19th century would change the course of Tlingit history forever. The discovery of gold in the Juneau area in 1880 brought a surge of outsiders to the region, and the Tlingit people were forced to adapt to a new and rapidly changing world.
The Devastating Impact of the Gold Rush
The gold rush had a devastating impact on the Tlingit people and their traditional way of life. The influx of miners and settlers led to the destruction of Tlingit villages, the disruption of traditional trade and commerce, and the spread of diseases to which the Tlingit had no immunity. The Tlingit people were forced to cede their lands to the United States government, and they were relegated to reservations and other confined areas.
“The gold rush was a disaster for our people. It brought disease, violence, and destruction to our lands and our way of life. We were forced to adapt to a new world, and it was a difficult and painful process.” — Tlingit elder, as told to the Sealaska Heritage Institute
Auke Bay (Áak’w) and its Tlingit Significance
Auke Bay, located just east of Juneau, is a sacred place for the Tlingit people. It is home to the Áak’w Kwáan, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. The bay is a rich source of fish, shellfish, and other seafood, and it has been an important center of Tlingit trade and commerce for centuries.
“Auke Bay is a special place for us. It is a place of creation, of life, and of abundance. We have lived here for thousands of years, and we will continue to live here for generations to come.” — Tlingit elder, as told to the Sealaska Heritage Institute
Taku River Tlingit Connections
The Tlingit people have a rich cultural connection to the Taku River, which flows through the nearby Tongass National Forest. The Taku River has been an important source of salmon and other fish for the Tlingit people, and it has played a central role in their traditional way of life.
The Alaska Native Brotherhood Founded in Juneau (1912)
In 1912, the Alaska Native Brotherhood was founded in Juneau. The organization was dedicated to promoting the rights and interests of Alaska Natives, and it played a key role in the fight for civil rights in the state.
The Alaska Native Brotherhood was a powerful force for change in Alaska, and it continues to be an important organization today. Its legacy can be seen in the many cultural and social programs that it has established over the years, including the Sealaska Heritage Institute and the Central Council of Tlingit & Haida.
Tlingit Place Names Throughout the Juneau Area
The Juneau area is home to many Tlingit place names, each with its own unique history and significance. Some of the most notable include:
- Dzántik’i Héeni (river where the flounders gather) – the name for the city of Juneau
- Áak’w (people of the little lake) – the name for Auke Bay
- Taku (rich river) – the name for the Taku River
- Cook Inlet – the name for the inlet that flows into the bay
Modern Tlingit Cultural Presence in Alaska’s Capital
Today, the Tlingit people continue to play a vital role in Alaska’s capital city. The Sealaska Heritage Institute, the Central Council of Tlingit & Haida, and other organizations are working to preserve and promote Tlingit culture and traditions.
The Tlingit people are proud of their heritage, and they continue to work towards a brighter future for their people. Their story is one of resilience and determination, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and respecting indigenous cultures.
Learn More
* Sealaska Heritage Institute – dedicated to preserving and promoting Tlingit culture and traditions
* Central Council of Tlingit & Haida – a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the rights and interests of Alaska Natives
* Tongass National Forest – a national forest that includes the Taku River and other important Tlingit cultural sites
* Juneau-Douglas City Museum – a museum that showcases the history and culture of Juneau and the surrounding area
Sources
* National Park Service (NPS)
* Sealaska Heritage Institute
* Alaska State Library
* Juneau-Douglas City Museum
* Central Council of Tlingit & Haida
* Smithsonian Institution
* University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)
* Tlingit Nation
* Áak’w Kwáan
Note: This article is a general overview of the Tlingit people and their connection to the Juneau area. For more specific information on Tlingit history and culture, please consult the sources listed above.