Sitka, a picturesque coastal town on the western edge of Baranof Island, is a place of deep cultural significance for the Tlingit people. The town’s name, Sheet’ká, is derived from the Tlingit phrase Shee Atiká or ‘people on the outside of Shee,’ referring to the island. For the Tlingit, Sitka has b
Celebration, the biennial festival hosted by the Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI), is the largest gathering of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people in Southeast Alaska. Since its inception in 1982, Celebration has grown into a spectacular showcase of traditional dance, music, and art, attracting th
Imagine walking through a forest and stumbling upon a beautiful waterfall. This could be considered a scenic viewpoint, a place to take in the natural beauty of the area. However, if you were to walk a short distance further and come across a burial ground, this would be considered a sacred site. Bu
The Potlatch Tradition: Alaska’s Great Feasts and Their Meaning The potlatch tradition in Alaska is a complex and multifaceted ceremonial
The Wrangell Petroglyph Beach is a testament to the Tlingit’s advanced artistic and technical skills. The petroglyphs depict a variety of subjects, including whales, bears, and humans, often in intricate and detailed designs. The carvings were likely created using a combination of pecking and grindi
The Seward Peninsula, where the town of Nome is located, has been the traditional homeland of the Iñupiat for thousands of years. The Iñupiat, also known as the Iñupiaq, are an indigenous people who inhabit the Arctic coastal regions of Alaska. The name “Nome” is derived from the Iñupiaq word Sitŋas
The Matanuska River valley, located in the heart of Alaska’s Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Borough, has long been a corridor for cultural exchange and trade between the Dena’ina Athabascan and Ahtna Athabascan peoples. The name “Matanuska” itself is derived from the Dena’ina word matānuska, meanin
As we venture into the heart of Lake Clark, we’re reminded that this is a place of stark beauty, where the majesty of Mount Redoubt and the tranquility of the lake come together in perfect harmony. Yet, despite its breathtaking scenery, Lake Clark remains a hidden gem, visited by fewer than 10,000 p
Located in the southeastern region of Alaska, Kodiak Island has been home to the Alutiiq people for over 7,500 years. The Alutiiq, also known as the Sugpiaq, have a rich and vibrant culture that has endured despite centuries of colonization and cultural suppression. In this article, we will delve in
Onion Portage is a key archaeological site in the Kobuk Valley, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of Alaska’s earliest inhabitants. The site has yielded a wealth of artifacts, including tools, weapons, and even remains of ancient dwellings. According to J. Louis Giddings, a renowned archaeolo