Traditional Land Use of Glacier Bay by the Huna Tlingit
The Huna Tlingit: Keepers of Glacier Bay’s History and Culture
For centuries, the Huna Tlingit (Xunaa Kawu) people called Glacier Bay home. Their traditional lands, now protected as Glacier Bay National Park, hold a rich cultural significance that extends beyond the park’s natural beauty. The Huna Tlingit were a thriving community, with a deep understanding of the bay’s ecosystems and a thriving economy based on the resources it provided. In this article, we will explore the traditional land use of Glacier Bay by the Huna Tlingit, from their ancestral villages to their current efforts to revitalize their cultural heritage.
Pre-Little Ice Age Glacier Bay: A Thriving Huna Tlingit Community
The Huna Tlingit name for Glacier Bay is S’é Shuyee (S’é Shuyee), which translates to “land in the midst of ice.” Before the Little Ice Age glacier advance (~1700s), the bay was home to numerous Huna Tlingit villages. These communities were strategically located near the glacier faces, where the sea ice provided a unique opportunity for seal hunting. The Huna Tlingit were skilled hunters, and their traditional practice of seal hunting at the glacier faces was not only a source of food but also a vital part of their cultural and spiritual practices.
“We did not just hunt seals for food; we also had a spiritual connection to the seals. We believed that the seals were our relatives, and that we had a responsibility to hunt them in a way that would not harm the ecosystem.”
– Huna Tribal Elder, as quoted in “The Huna Tlingit: A Tradition of Resilience” by the Huna Heritage Foundation.
Oral History of Glacier Retreat and Return
The Huna Tlingit have an oral tradition that tells the story of the glacier’s retreat and return. According to their oral history, the glacier advanced and retreated multiple times, each time reshaping the landscape and changing the availability of resources. The Huna Tlingit adapted to these changes, developing new technologies and strategies to survive and thrive in a dynamic environment.
For example, when the glacier retreated, the Huna Tlingit would establish new villages and fish camps in the newly exposed areas. They would also establish berry camps, where they would harvest the abundant berries that grew in the warmer, lower-elevation areas. The Huna Tlingit were skilled hunters, and their traditional practice of hunting and gathering allowed them to thrive in Glacier Bay for centuries.
Berry Camps, Fish Camps, and Hunting Grounds
Glacier Bay was a veritable paradise for the Huna Tlingit, providing an abundance of food and resources. They would establish berry camps in areas with rich berry growth, such as the Huna River delta. They would also establish fish camps near the mouth of the river, where they would catch salmon and other fish species.
In addition to berry and fish camps, the Huna Tlingit would also establish hunting grounds throughout the bay. They would hunt caribou, moose, and other large game animals, using traditional techniques such as driving and stalking. They would also hunt smaller game, such as rabbits and birds, using snares and traps.
Gull Egg Gathering Traditions
The Huna Tlingit also had a unique tradition of gull egg gathering. They would establish camps on the rocky shores of the bay, where they would collect gull eggs from the nests. This was a vital source of protein for the Huna Tlingit, and they would often trade eggs with other communities for other essential goods.
The Controversy over NPS Management and Tlingit Traditional Use
In recent years, there has been controversy over the management of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, particularly with regards to Tlingit traditional use. The park’s management plan has been criticized for failing to address the concerns of the Huna Tlingit people, who have a deep cultural connection to the park.
One of the main concerns is the issue of access to traditional lands and resources. The park’s management plan has been criticized for restricting access to areas that are sacred to the Huna Tlingit, such as the glacier faces where they traditionally hunted seals.
The 2016 Huna Tribal House: A Symbol of Revitalization
In 2016, the Huna Tribal House (Xunaa Shuká Hít) was built in Glacier Bay National Park, marking a significant milestone in the revitalization of Huna Tlingit culture. The tribal house is the first clan house to be built in a national park, and it serves as a symbol of the Huna Tlingit people’s connection to their ancestral lands.
The tribal house is a replica of the traditional Huna Tlingit houses that once stood in the park, and it was built using traditional techniques and materials. The house is a place of ceremony and celebration, where the Huna Tlingit people can gather to share their stories, dance, and sing.
Conclusion
The Huna Tlingit have a rich and thriving culture that extends far beyond the boundaries of Glacier Bay National Park. Their traditional land use of the bay is a testament to their resilience and adaptability, and their oral history and cultural practices are an essential part of their identity.
As hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, we have a responsibility to respect and honor the cultural significance of the lands we visit. We should seek out opportunities to learn about the Huna Tlingit people and their culture, and we should support their efforts to revitalize their traditional practices.
Learn More
* Huna Heritage Foundation: Learn more about the Huna Tlingit people and their culture, and support their efforts to revitalize their traditional practices.
* Sealaska Heritage Institute: Learn more about the Tlingit people and their culture, and explore the rich history and traditions of Southeast Alaska.
Sources
* National Park Service. (n.d.). Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve: History and Culture.
* Huna Heritage Foundation. (n.d.). The Huna Tlingit: A Tradition of Resilience.
* Sealaska Heritage Institute. (n.d.). Tlingit Culture.
* University of Alaska Fairbanks. (n.d.). Tlingit Cultural Heritage.