Ketchikan | Our Native Legacy

Southeast Alaska is home to three distinct Native tribal groups: the Tlingit, the Haida and the Tsimshian. With deeply meaningful cultural traditions, all three tribes have imbued the land with a profound and palpable legacy.
This Emmy Award winning film chronicles the history of SE Alaska’s Native people and gives a glimpse into traditions that have survived through the centuries, despite more than two generations of assimilation and acculturation.
From the time of first contact with European missionaries and other settlers, Native Alaskans were treated as second-class citizens. They didn’t have basic civil rights and couldn’t own land until they adopted European style of dress, learned English, and eschewed the traditional ways of their culture. During these years, it became more difficult to teach and learn traditional cultural ways-tribal languages were forbidden, totem poles and other artifacts were traded or burned, potlatches were outlawed-but the elders of the time kept the embers of their Native traditions burning. Thanks to their efforts, the culture is growing and thriving today.

[@benjamint.6797]

As a local born and raised in ketchikan from the Tlinget/Haida Tribes i really enjoyed this video amd is pretty much the message ive been trying to give my children and family thatbits time to get involved amd be a part of our culture and help bring it back to life ❤❤ i got a little emotional watching this Video

[@Brightstartarot888]

I am going to Ketchikan soon for a few months to work. I look forward to learning more about this Native culture. Thank you for sharing this wonderful documentary .

[@paulinesena7173]

Beautiful❤

[@BreonaWilson]

Can’t believe I use to work in Ketchikan 😮

[@user-pe2lw1ze8i]

Hi from Big Sur. I’m originally from Campbell river bc. I’d love to visit your village. I am an artist and recently got into wood carving more. I’d love to visit!!!

[@tomdee4418]

Thank you

[@Crabcakes626]

Such a beautiful and well done video!

[@endicotttrucktractorrwolfe5568]

Very TRUE, as far as we know, actually many Tribes and Clans, across the Americas would agree, ithink, NOOTKA, and Tulalip....would agree. It is a very sacred thing to say the Names. Wasseh, Weh❓☺ Das eh weh❓GOD BLESS THE NATIVE LANGUAGES. HYMS ARE NOW TRANSLATED. WE BELIEVE, THAT NATIVE AMERICANS HAD THE Same One God as all the earth.