Ketchikan / Kichx̱áan: Thundering Wings of the Eagle at the Creek
A Rich History Born from the Tongass
The Tlingit people have lived along the shores of the Tongass Narrows in southeastern Alaska for thousands of years, with their ancestors arriving long before the arrival of European settlers. Kichx̱áan, the Tlingit name for the town of Ketchikan, is often translated as “thundering wings of the eagle” or “where the eagles cry,” but its meaning remains debated. Some sources argue it refers to the creek that runs through the heart of town, while others believe it refers to the majestic eagles that call this region home.
The Tongass and Cape Fox Tlingit peoples have a rich history in this area, with their traditional lands spanning from the western edge of the Tongass Narrows to the eastern edge of the narrows. Ketchikan Creek, which flows through the center of town, was once home to an abundance of salmon, providing a vital source of food and sustenance for the Tlingit people.
The Importance of Red Cedar in Northwest Coast Culture
Red cedar has played a crucial role in the culture of the Tlingit and Haida peoples, who have long revered this majestic tree for its strength, durability, and spiritual significance. The wood of the red cedar is highly valued for its ability to withstand the elements and its resistance to rot and decay, making it an ideal material for carving and construction. The bark of the tree is also used for basketry and other traditional crafts.
For the Tlingit and Haida, the red cedar is also a symbol of strength, wisdom, and spirituality. In traditional Tlingit culture, red cedar is often associated with the Raven, a trickster figure who is said to have created the world and brought light to humanity. The Raven is often depicted in Tlingit art as a powerful and wise figure, and is revered for its intelligence and cunning.
Totem Bight State Historical Park, Saxman Native Village, and Totem Heritage Center
The totem poles of the Tlingit and Haida peoples are some of the most iconic and recognizable examples of Native American art in the world. These towering structures, often reaching heights of over 20 feet, are carved from a single piece of red cedar and are adorned with intricate designs and figures that tell stories of clan history, mythology, and spiritual significance.
Totem Bight State Historical Park, located just outside of Ketchikan, is home to a collection of totem poles that were moved from the nearby Saxman Native Village in the 1930s. The park also features a series of interpretive trails and exhibits that provide insight into the history and culture of the Tlingit and Haida peoples.
Saxman Native Village, located just outside of Ketchikan, is home to a thriving Tlingit community and features a collection of traditional houses, including a clan house and a longhouse. The village is also home to a number of skilled artisans who continue to practice traditional crafts, including totem pole carving and basketry.
The Totem Heritage Center, located in downtown Ketchikan, is home to the world’s largest collection of original totem poles, with over 50 poles on display. The center also features a number of exhibits and interpretive displays that provide insight into the history and culture of the Tlingit and Haida peoples.
The Art of Totem Pole Carving
Totem pole carving is a highly respected and traditional art form among the Tlingit and Haida peoples. The art form is often misunderstood as a form of worship, but in reality, totem poles are used to tell stories of clan history, mythology, and spiritual significance. The poles are often carved with figures and designs that represent the different clans and families of the Tlingit and Haida peoples.
The art of totem pole carving requires great skill and attention to detail, as the carver must carefully select and shape the wood, and then intricately carve the designs and figures onto the pole. The carver must also ensure that the pole is balanced and stable, as it will be standing tall for generations to come.
The Civilian Conservation Corps Totem Restoration Project
In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) conducted a massive totem restoration project in the Ketchikan area. The project involved the relocation of over 40 totem poles from the area, including some of the most iconic and valuable poles in the region. The poles were then reassembled and restored at Totem Bight State Historical Park, where they remain on display today.
The CCC project was a significant undertaking, requiring the efforts of hundreds of workers and the expertise of skilled carvers and artisans. The project was also a testament to the importance of preserving and protecting the cultural heritage of the Tlingit and Haida peoples.
Traditional Tlingit and Haida Life in the Ketchikan Area
For centuries, the Tlingit and Haida peoples have lived along the shores of the Tongass Narrows, with their traditional lands spanning from the western edge of the narrows to the eastern edge. The area is rich in natural resources, including salmon, berries, and game animals, which have provided sustenance for the Tlingit and Haida peoples for generations.
In traditional Tlingit culture, the community is organized into clans, each with its own distinct identity and traditions. The clans are often identified by their totem poles, which are carved with figures and designs that represent the clan’s history and mythology.
The Tlingit and Haida peoples have also long been skilled traders and entrepreneurs, with a thriving economy based on the trade of goods such as furs, hides, and cedar bark. Today, the Ketchikan Indian Community operates a number of businesses, including a smokehouse and a crafts shop, which showcase the traditional skills and crafts of the Tlingit and Haida peoples.
Learn More
For more information on the history and culture of the Tlingit and Haida peoples, visit the following websites:
* Ketchikan Indian Community: [www.ketchikanindiancommunity.org](http://www.ketchikanindiancommunity.org)
* Saxman Village: [www.saxmanvillage.com](http://www.saxmanvillage.com)
* Cape Fox Corporation: [www.capefoxcorp.com](http://www.capefoxcorp.com)
For more information on hiking and outdoor recreation in the Ketchikan area, visit the following pages on AlaskaHikes.com:
* Ketchikan Hiking Trails: [www.alaskahikes.com/ketchikan-hiking-trails](http://www.alaskahikes.com/ketchikan-hiking-trails)
* Tongass National Forest: [www.alaskahikes.com/tongass-national-forest](http://www.alaskahikes.com/tongass-national-forest)
* Misty Fjords: [www.alaskahikes.com/misty-fjords](http://www.alaskahikes.com/misty-fjords)
Sources
* National Park Service: [www.nps.gov](http://www.nps.gov)
* Totem Heritage Center: [www.totemheritagecenter.org](http://www.totemheritagecenter.org)
* Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian: [www.nmai.si.edu](http://www.nmai.si.edu)
* Sealaska Heritage Institute: [www.sealaskaheritage.org](http://www.sealaskaheritage.org)
* Alaska Department of Natural Resources: [www.dnr.alaska.gov](http://www.dnr.alaska.gov)
* University of Alaska Fairbanks: [www.uaf.edu](http://www.uaf.edu)