Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian Kusteeyí the Real People's Way of Being

Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian Kusteeyí The Real People’s Way of Being

DURING OUR 10,000 YEARS or more of occupation of Southeast Alaska, the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people developed cultural traditions that have been modified by rapid culture change that began in 1867 after the Treaty of Cession between the United States and Russia. Our ancient values allowed our People to adapt to the changes and to survive as a distinct cultural group. Today, we are also seeking to integrate our cultural values into the institutions that directly serve our People. The values in Tlingit are:

• Haa Aaní: Our Land (Haida: Íitl’ Tlagáa; Tsimshian: Na Yuubm) • Haa Latseen: Our Strength (Haida: Íitl’ Dagwiigáay; Tsimshian: Na Yugyetga’nm) SHI President Dr. Rosita Worl. • Haa Shagóon: Past, Present, and Future Generations (Haida: Íitl’ Kuníisii; Tsimshian: Na Hlagigyadm) • Wooch Yax: Balance (Haida: Gu dlúu; Tsimshian: Ama Mackshm)

At Sealaska Heritage Institute, these values help to define our path, guide us along the way, and develop programs to perpetuate the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures.

—Rosita Worl, Yeidiklas’okw, Kaa haní President

OPPOSITE: Graphics of core cultural values by Robert Davis Hoffmann.

SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE One Sealaska Plaza, Suite 301 Juneau, Alaska 99801 907.463.4844 www.sealaskaheritage.org

ISBN 978-0-9825786-3-6

Cover: Haa Shagóon by Robert Davis Hoffmann, Xaashuch’eet, Tlingit of the Tsaagweidí clan, Xaay Hít.

Design and composition by Kathy Dye. Tlingit words edited by Linda Belarde. Haida words edited by Dr. Jordan Lachler. Tsimshian words edited by Donna May Roberts.

PHOTO CREDITS All photos made by Kathy Dye except the following: Rosita Worl by David Sheakley, page iii; Celebration Grand Entrance and children in regalia by Brian Wallace, page 2; dancer in mask by Bill Hess, page 2; toddler in regalia by Brian Wallace, page 3; Tlingit regalia with military uniforms by Frank La Roche from Sealaska Heritage Institute collections, page 20; “Jan-clet-jah” by Case and Draper from Sealaska Heritage Institute collections, page 20; Auk village by William Partridge from Sealaska Heritage Institute collections, page 20; ANB/ANS representatives by Brian Wallace from Sealaska Heritage Institute collections, page 21; photos of illustrations and books by Zachary Jones, page 22; photo of painting by Zachary Jones, page 23; students holding model clan houses and students looking to the right by Sarah Dybdahl, page 26; Byron Mallott by Dixie Hutchin- son, page 29; Juried Art Show by Brian Wallace, page 30; cedar tree by James Poulson, page 35; Southeast Alaska by Todd Antioquia, page 36; John Marks by Richard Dauenhauer, page 48. Contents

> About Sealaska Heritage Institute 1 > About Sealaska Corporation 5

Wooch Yax: Balance Social and Spiritual Balance 7

Haa Shagóon: Past, Present and Future Generations Honoring our Ancestors and Future Generations 15

Haa Latseen: Our Strength Strength of Body, Mind, and Spirit 25

Haa Aaní: Our Land Honoring & Utilizing our Land 33

> Donors 38 > Financials 46 > Staff, Board of Trustees, Council of Traditional Scholars 49

Sealaska Heritage Institute Who We Are

SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE (SHI) is a regional Native nonprofit organization founded for the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people of Southeast Alaska. SHI was established in 1980 by Sealaska Corporation, a for-profit company formed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). SHI, formerly Sealaska Heritage Foundation, ad- ministers Sealaska’s cultural and educational programs. SHI was conceived by Clan Leaders, Traditional Scholars, and Elders at the first Sealaska Elders Conference in 1980. During that meeting, the Elders likened Native culture to a blanket. The late George Davis (Kichnáalx, Lk’aanáaw) of Angoon, spoke these memorable words: “We don’t want what you did here to only echo in the air, how our grandfathers used to do things…Yes. You have unwrapped it for us. That is why we will open again this container of wisdom left in our care.” These wise traditional leaders told the new leaders that their hands were growing weary of holding onto the meta- phorical blanket, this “container of wisdom”. They said they were transferring this responsibility to the Corporation. In response to this directive, Sealaska Corporation created its non-profit arm, Sealaska Heritage Institute, to administer cultural and educational programs for the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. During its first decade of operation, under the leadership of David Katzeek, SHI began to administer its scholarship program from funds set aside by Sealaska Corporation for this purpose. The second major focus at that time was the documentation of oral traditions, a project led by Tlingit scholar Dr. Nora Marks Dauenhauer and her husband, Dr. OPPOSITE: A sampling Richard Dauenhauer. Over nearly a twenty-year period, of books on Native languages, cultures, and these efforts led to several major publications by the history published by the institute of the Dauenhauers’ work, including: Because We institute over the years.

SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE: WHO WE ARE 1 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Grand Entrance at Celebra- tion 2008 in Juneau, Alaska; Children dressed in regalia; Children smile at a dancer wearing Eagle Transformation Mask at Celebration 2006.

2 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE Cherish You…Sealaska Elders Speak to the Future (1981); Haa Shuká, Our Ancestors, Tlingit Oral Narratives, Vol. I, (1987); Haa Tuwunáagu Yís, for Healing our Spirit: Tlingit Oratory, Vol. 2 (1990); Haa Kusteeyí, Our Culture: Tlingit Life Stories, Vol. 3 (1994); the third edition of Beginning Tlingit (1991); and Aan Aduspelled X’úx’, Tlingit Spelling Book (1999). A number of these publications were co- published by the institute and University of Washington Press. During this period, the institute also created Naa Kahídi Theater, which won national acclaim for its dramatic presentation of Native legends. Soon after SHI was founded, the institute sponsored the first United Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian traditional Celebration, held in Juneau. Celebration 1982 was so popular that our Board of Trustees decided the festival should become a biennial event. New dance groups began to form in response to Celebration, and every other year, the festival grew. Today, nearly every community in South- east as well as Anchorage, the Seattle area, and Canada, are represented by roughly two-thousand dancers in more than fifty dance groups. During Celebration, workshops on various aspects of traditional culture and history also occur. Because SHI is the only major, region-wide organization dedicated to cultural preservation, its Board of Trust- Sealaska Heritage Institute sponsors ees has mandated that Celebration be dedicated solely a Toddler Regalia Review during to honoring our traditional culture. Today, Celebration is its biennial Celebration, a dance- one of the largest events in the state. It’s broadcast live on and-culture festival held every even year in Juneau. Since its inception statewide television and streamed live on the internet. in 1982, Celebration has grown into In 1997, while continuing to honor the Institute’s mis- one of the largest events in the state. sion statement, “To perpetuate and enhance the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures,” the Trustees adopted language restoration as the foremost priority of the institute. Few funds were available initially for this objective, but the institute launched an aggressive effort to implement federal initiatives and increase funding to support language restoration. Today, SHI sponsors and supports numerous language and culture programs across Southeast Alaska. The institute also sponsors archival projects, historical research, and new publications.

SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE: WHO WE ARE 3 4 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE Sealaska Corporation Founding Sponsor of SHI

SEALASKA CORPORATION is a for-profit, regional Native corporation founded under the Alaska Native Claims Settle- ment Act (ANCSA) of 1971. Sealaska is the founding sponsor of Sealaska Heritage Institute, a Native nonprofit formed to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures. Sealaska Corporation established Sealaska Heritage Institute in 1980 to operate its educational and cultural programs. Sealaska is owned by more than 20,000 tribal member shareholders and guided by traditions of environmental stewardship and positively impacting our communities. Sealaska shareholders are legendary traders who are deeply connected to the lands and have successfully adapted to constantly changing environments and global economies. They bring together the wisdom and foresight of their combined heritage to create an enduring corporation that provides business opportunities, benefits, and cultural strength for the people. Today Sealaska is the largest private landowner and the largest for-profit private employer in Southeast Alaska. It is a diverse company with investments in forest products, construction aggregates, machining and fabrication, environmental remediation, information technology, plas- tics injection molding and manufacturing, global logistics, wood products, and financial markets. Its status as a Minority Business Enterprise and Small Disadvantaged Business adds to their strength as a government contractor and commercial diversity supplier.

OPPOSITE: Sealaska Plaza. The headquarters of Sealaska Corporation is in Juneau, Alaska.

SEALASKA CORPORATION: FOUNDING SPONSOR OF SHI 5 Wooch Yax: Balance

6 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE Social & Spiritual Balance

WOOCH YAX MUST BE MAINTAINED to ensure social and spiritual harmony lest ill will goes wandering and causes harm.

Wooch Yax governs:

• Interrelationships between Eagle and Raven clans

• Interrelationships between the Tlingit and others, including tribes, nations, and institutions

Wooch Yax includes Kaa yaa awuné or Respect for Others and Át yaa awuné or Respect for All Things.

Wooch Yax requires that our People and our organizations conduct business with Yán gaa doonéekw or “Dignity”— realizing that everything has its rightful place and that all action and business must be done with integrity.

OPPOSITE: Wooch Yax graphic by Robert Davis Hoffmann.

WOOCH YAX: BALANCE 7 SHI uses a technique called the Developmental Language Process to instill academic terms and Native language into students’ long-term memory. The process incorporates games to make learning fun. It was field tested in 2009 at the institute’s annual Latseen Leadership Camp.

8 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE Bringing Balance to Education MANY NATIVE STUDENTS IN ALASKA graduate from high school and go on to have successful careers. However, Native students struggle with mandated tests and drop out of high school at higher rates than non-Native students. At Sealaska Heritage Institute, we believe we know some of the reasons why, and in 2009, we published a major series of instruc- tional materials that will help.

The Developmental Language Process In 2009, the institute field-tested a teaching program called the Developmental Lan- guage Process. The institute in 2009 outlined the process in a series of books, which were field tested at SHI’s annual Latseen Leadership Camp for high school students. The books cover science, literature, and math for high school, plus Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian languages for all grades. Haida instructor Ben Young checks on a student during a test. The program is based on the premise that students The students on average received struggle in school—not because they don’t understand the high scores on the tests. Haida language students on average concepts—but because they don’t remember the words scored ninety-four percent. used to describe the concepts. The words are not going into long-term memory. This philosophy was pioneered by SHI Education Direc- tor Jim MacDiarmid, author of the book Replacing Thing-a- ma-jig—The Developmental Language Process. MacDiarmid recalls an incident that happened in Alaska in 1990 that illustrates the problem. “High school kids in grade eleven were asked to circle the congruent shapes on a test. Ninety-eight percent of kids

WOOCH YAX: BALANCE 9 The institute’s developmental language series released in 2009 includes exercises for science, literature, and math (high school), and Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian languages (all grades). The language materials include CDs with audio of Native words and phrases.

10 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE did not answer it correctly,” MacDiarmid said. “The teacher said ‘I don’t understand it. It’s a simple concept.’ Had the teacher said ‘Circle the shapes that are exactly the same,’ they would have got it right. It was not a math problem. It was a language problem. They could not retrieve the mean- ing of the word congruent.” The problem is, education today is predominantly abstract—a new word is introduced, the teacher will write it on the wall, tell kids what it means, then they’re into reading and writing. “Today’s education for the most part goes from abstract to abstract,” he said.

Using Games to Instill Words into Long-Term Memory In this exercise, images representing The institute’s book series includes instructions on how Native words or academic terms are to make sure students remember academic terms. It relies taped to a wall. The teacher says a word, and the student uses a flash- heavily on games and other fun exercises to engage the light to identify the image associated students. with the word. Often, two students The process outlined in the books begins with listen- compete to identify the image first. ing—a teacher says a word and shows an image associated with the word. Eventually, the students recite an academic term when the teacher points to an image. The abstract phases—reading and writing—are the last elements woven into the process. Staff evaluated students at its 2009 Latseen Leadership Camp and students’ test scores were phenomenal. The average score for Haida language students was ninety-four percent, and the average for Tlingit language students was eighty-nine percent, said MacDiarmid, noting the same suc- cess rates applied to science and literature students. “Too bad school’s not really like this,” said student Cody Allphin. “If it was, I think more people would be passing. It’s easier to learn.” “Kids are having fun while they’re learning,” said Haida teacher Ben Young. “I think that’s why it’s so effective.” The series is available through Sealaska Heritage Insti- tute and at www.sealaskaheritage.org.

WOOCH YAX: BALANCE 11 CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Joe and T.J. Young begin work on the totem at the UAS campus; T.J. Young using an adze; Joe Young. The artists are Sealaska shareholders who have carved other totems, including a forty-foot pole for the Sitka National Historical Park and a thirty-two foot crest pole for the Hydaburg Totem Park. Bringing Balance to Campus SOUTHEAST NATIVE CULTURES are founded on balance. For example, Tlingit people are divided into two moieties: Raven and Eagle. One brings balance to the other. Tradi- tionally, a person of Raven moiety was expected to marry someone of the Eagle moiety, thus ensuring balance and harmony. In the 1990s, a Raven totem pole was raised at the University of Alaska Southeast campus in Juneau. It was a beautiful pole, but there was a problem—the Raven was missing an Eagle. “We have to have both an Eagle and Raven pole to have social and spiritual balance,” said SHI President Rosita Worl. In 2009, the institute managed a project to carve an Eagle pole for the campus. Sealaska Corporation donated a forty-five foot, red-cedar log, and a selection commit- tee comprised of SHI and university representatives chose brothers Joe and T.J. Young of Hydaburg to carve a thirty-six foot totem. Elders of the Aak’w Kwáan met with Wooch.éen, a Native student club on campus, to identify the Eagle clan crests to be featured on the totem. They wanted to give special recognition to the Wooshkeetaan, an Eagle clan from the Juneau area. The pole features Eagle to represent all Eagle clans plus Shark, Wolf, and Thunderbird, with Shark representing the Wooshkeetaan. “But it’s more than just a Shark, it’s an anthropomorphic figure signifying the students who are attending the university,” said Worl. The pole will be raised on campus in 2010. “It’s really nice to get an all-Eagle totem pole to comple- ment the existing all-Raven totem pole,” said Aak’w Kwáan Model of the Elder Marie Olson. “The Raven is going to be happy.” Eagle totem.

WOOCH YAX: BALANCE 13 Haa Shagóon: Past, Present & Future Generations Honoring Our Ancestors & Future Generations

WE MAINTAIN STRONG BONDS with our ancestors whom we honor through our lives and in our ceremonies.

We also have responsibilities to our future generations, and we must ensure that we protect our land and culture for our children and grandchildren and those who will follow them.

OPPOSITE: Haa Shagóon graphic by Robert Davis Hoffmann.

HAA SHAGÓON: PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE GENERATIONS 15 The institute’s fourteen-book Haida curriculum series was released in 2009 and distributed to public schools. It is available at www.sealaskaheritage.org.

16 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE Revitalizing the Languages of our Ancestors for Future Generations ONE OF THE TOP PRIORITIES of Sealaska Heritage Insti- tute is the documentation and revitalization of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian languages. Since the institute began focusing on Native languages in the 1990s, some of its early language students have gone on to teach Native languages in public schools across Southeast Alaska, and many communities now have their own language programs.

We Document Native Languages In 2009, the institute continued a multi-year effort to document Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian and to compile the most comprehensive dictionaries of the languages ever published. The dictionaries will be available in paperback books, on CD-ROM, and on the Internet. The online and CD-ROM versions will include audio of fluent speakers saying words and phrases. All versions feature English to Native language sections and Native language to English sections. Many fluent Elders contributed to the dictionaries, which are scheduled for release in 2010. The institute in 2009 also continued an ongoing effort to videotape casual conversations in Tlingit. The oral histories project documents fluent speaker Clarence Jackson inter- viewing other fluent Elders in Tlingit.

We Create Tools for Language Students Through our documentation efforts, the institute creates tools to teach Native languages. In 2009, SHI released a major curriculum series for the Haida language in hopes of weaving more Native lessons into the public school system. The curriculum is a series of elementary-level, thematic units featuring the Haida language, culture, and history. SHI’s new dictionaries are sched- It includes fourteen units and resources on topics such as uled for release in 2010.

HAA SHAGÓON: PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE GENERATIONS 17 Latseen Basketball Camp in Juneau. CLOCK- WISE FROM TOP LEFT: Coach Ralph Wolfe guides a student; A student uses a remote car to drive to an image that depicts a Tlingit word spoken by the teacher; Tlingit teacher Jessica Chester says a Tlingit word and points to an image that represents the word.

18 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE beach, cedar, sea mammals, and salmon. It includes CDs with Haida audio. The series was distributed to public schools that offer language programs and posted on the institute’s website for download by teachers. The Haida audio also may be played on the Internet. SHI also regularly creates online, interactive language tools. In 2009, the institute posted an interactive tool that teaches Tlingit words for basketball terms. This online, interactive language tool We Teach Native Languages teaches kids how to say basketball terms in Tlingit. SHI’s interactive Our approach to teaching Native languages is simple: language tools are available at we make it fun! One way we do this is by integrating Na- www.sealaskaheritage.org in the tive words into basketball—a popular sport in Alaska. language resources section. In 2009, SHI sponsored its third annual Latseen Basketball Camp for kids in Juneau, Yakutat, and Kake. Almost one hundred kids attended. Staff assessed students to determine how much their language skills improved during the camps and found on average students improved by fifty-seven percent. “It’s fun,” said student Isaiah James John. “They have lots of drills, and you learn Tlingit.”

We Teach Others to Document and Teach Languages The institute sponsored the following language workshops in 2009:

• Language documentation and videography • Language workshop in Ketchikan • Heritage language development workshop

HAA SHAGÓON: PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE GENERATIONS 19 Richard Wood Collection. TOP: This photo depicting Tlingit regalia and military uniforms is inscribed “Interior of Capt. Jakes house, Killisnoo”. By Frank La Roche, circa 1900; RIGHT: Inscribed “Jan-clet-jah, a Yakutat Native”. By Case and Draper, circa 1900 ABOVE: Auk village with houses and canoes. By William Partridge, 1886.

20 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE Caring for our Past for Future Generations THE INSTITUTE OPERATES a Special Collections Research Center which houses more than 5,000 publications, approximately 35,000 photographic images, roughly 1,000 cultural objects, nearly 3,500 audiovisual recordings, and more than 1,000 linear feet of manuscript material that document the history, culture, heritage, and language of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people.

2009 Banner Year for Photographs In 2009, the institute’s photograph collection grew by more than 3,500 images, thanks largely in part to a donation by photojournalist Brian Wallace of Juneau. The Wallace collection includes several hundred images Brian Wallace Collection. From of the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) and Alaska Native left: Percy Hope, Joanne Riley, Ole Sisterhood (ANS) taken from 1965 to 1995. He made the Olsen, and Ed Halverson. ANB/ ANS Grand Camp Convention in donation in memory of his late parents, Dorothy (Natstklaa) Juneau, 1983. and Amos L. (Jeet Yaaw Dustaa) Wallace. “Both my parents were lifetime members of the ANB and ANS respectively. They devoted most of their lives fight- ing for Alaska Native rights. By donating all the photos of the ANB and ANS to Sealaska Heritage Institute, I wish to honor their memory and accomplishments, as well as the other ANB/ANS Elders past and present,” Wallace said. SHI also acquired twenty historical images dating between 1883 and 1941 from collector Richard Wood. One of the more unusual photos shows a display of Tlingit regalia and American military uniforms, which were adopted as crests by several clans for debts owed to the Tlingit by the United States Navy.

SHI Library, Collections Go Online In 2009, the institute posted a searchable catalog of its archival collections on the Internet, a major breakthrough

HAA SHAGÓON: PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE GENERATIONS 21 In 2009, the institute acquired 750 additional books, including four rare books. Some of the books include drawings of Native life. The top photo caption reads “Chilcat (sic) woman sewing, with her babe leaning against the wall. From a drawing by Mrs. Willard.” that will help researchers easily identify the types of materials the institute houses. The institute also began adding its book collection to the local library consor- tium’s searchable database, making it the only private library to do so. The projects are part of an effort to foster greater scholarship on the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska, said SHI Archivist Zachary Jones. “There’s a lot of opportunity for study because some aspects are unstudied. There are a lot of dated studies that need to be revised, and it’s only by looking at these fresh sources that people can get the information to rewrite history,” Jones said. Before the archival catalog went online, people had to physically go to the institute’s Special Collections Research Center in Juneau to peruse it. The change, funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, allows people to search and view the The late Tlingit leader Judson Brown, who was a Killer Whale catalog online. The databases are available in “Collections” from Haines. Painting by Herbert at www.sealaskaheritage.org. “Herb” Kawainui Kane. SHI also acquired four rare books in 2009—the oldest dating to 1798. Some of them were written and illustrated by tourists in the 1800s, when it was common for visitors to publish their travel accounts as books. Some of the books also include illustrations of Native life and old photos taken in Southeast Alaska.

Old Recordings Dubbed to CD In 2009, the institute dubbed to CD thirteen audio cas- settes of oral histories recorded by the late Tlingit leader Judson L. Brown. The project means the public now has access to the recordings, which comprise one of the institute’s best oral history collections. SHI also acquired 1,750 additional audio recordings.

HAA SHAGÓON: PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE GENERATIONS 23 Haa Latseen: Our Strength

24 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE Strength of Body, Mind, & Spirit

THE “WAY OF THE WARRIORS” PATH is to achieve physical and inner strength. Above all, young men and women are taught to protect and to care for their families and clans. They are taught to seek truth and knowledge and to adapt to changing times while maintaining the integrity of our ancient values.

OPPOSITE: Haa Latseen graphic by Robert Davis Hoffmann.

HAA LATSEEN: OUR STRENGTH 25 Students who attend the institute’s Latseen Leadership Camps learn about their heritage and history during the two-week program in Juneau. They also learn how to introduce themselves in the traditional way. Strengthening our Future Leaders THE INSTITUTE SUPPORTS higher education through its annual Latseen Leader- ship Camps and through annual scholarship awards. The Tlingit word Latseen translates to “strength” and refers to strength of body, mind, and spirit.

Camp Draws Forty Students The institute’s fifth annual camp drew forty high school students and Sealaska interns from across the region. Every year, Latseen Leadership students learn how to prepare a seal, an The goal is to cultivate the art of leadership through important traditional food. camp activities and coursework which are based on traditional and scientific knowledge. “This is for young people—to teach them the skills they will need as they assume leadership roles and to learn that leaders serve their communities. They learn who they are, their place in the Native community, and why it’s important to get a higher education,” said SHI President Rosita Worl. Students attend classes on topics such as Native languages, oratory, Native art, and Native culture and history. They also participate in exercises such as butchering seals —a traditional food—and basketball games. “I can’t believe this opportunity—it’s so awesome,” said student Heather Biehl. “I feel closer to my culture.”

SHI Distributes $446,000 in Sealaska Scholarships The institute awarded approximately $446,000 in scholarships to Sealaska shareholders and descendants in 2009. The awards, funded by Sealaska Corporation, helped students pursuing graduate and undergraduate degrees and voc-tech training. A portion also helped fund heritage studies, language studies, and culture camps.

HAA LATSEEN: OUR STRENGTH 27 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: in 2009, SHI supported a ku.éex at Glacier Valley Elementary School; The cast of Kóoshdaa kaa takes a final bow; A child participating in a ku.éex supported by the institute.

28 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE Strength in Knowing Who We Are THE INSTITUTE SPONSORS programs to perpetuate Native art, to teach Native cultures in schools, and to educate the public about Native cultures.

SHI Supports a Ku.éex In 2009, the institute supported a ku.éex at Glacier Val- ley Elementary School in Juneau. The event is spearheaded by semi-fluent Tlingit language learner and teacher Hans Chester. The goal is to teach Native and non-Native students about formal ku.éex (a ceremony sometimes called a potlatch). Nearly ninety children participated, including students from Harborview Elementary.

SHI Sponsors Performing Arts SHI in 2009 sponsored a theater production of Kóosh- Tlingit leader Byron Mallott giv- daa kaa, which was based on a Native story. The summer ing a lecture on the Alaska Native play was performed by young actors and produced in part- Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) for the institute’s November lecture nership with Perseverance Theatre. series sponsored in 2009. Sealaska has commissioned and funded a play for the past five years through the Summer Theatre Arts Rendez- vous (STAR) program.

SHI Sponsors November Lecture Series SHI sponsored a lecture series in November for Native American Heritage Month. The series included lectures about Native cultures, languages, and history by nine people, including Tlingit leader Byron Mallott, authors Rich- ard and Nora Marks Dauenhauer, Haida linguist Dr. Jordan Lachler, historian Wally Olson, author Daniel Lee Henry, University of Alaska professor Jeane Breinig, and Ethel Lund and Selina Everson, who share a long history of public ser- vice with the Alaska Native Sisterhood.

HAA LATSEEN: OUR STRENGTH 29 Art exhibited at the institute’s most recent Juried Art Show in Juneau. SHI Perpetuates Native Art The Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people have a history of creating incredible works of art (called haa at.óowu in Tlingit). Their work rivals the best pieces found in any museum. One of the goals at Sealaska Heritage Institute is to perpetuate Native art forms and formline, and to ensure endangered art traditions are passed to future generations.

SHI in 2009 sponsored the following art workshops:

• Alaska Native Art by Donald Gregory • Formline Design by Steve Brown • Wood Carving for C.H.O.I.C.E. by Donald Gregory A student artist shows a paddle she made during an art class by The institute also continued operation of Jinéit, a Native Donald Gregory sponsored by art store in Juneau that opened in 2008. Through Jinéit, the Sealaska Heritage Institute. institute purchases Native art directly from the artists. In 2009, the institute continued to operate a Native art website at www.alaskanativeartists.com. The site was launched to give artists a virtual market for their work and to ensure customers were getting authentic Native art. All artists on the website are screened to ensure they are enrolled tribal members. Eighty percent of all proceeds go to the artists. The institute also sponsors a biennial Native Artist Mar- ket and a Juried Art Show and Competition during Celebra- tion, a dance-and-culture festival held every even year by Sealaska Heritage Institute. Celebration also encourages the production of hundreds of new regalia.

HAA LATSEEN: OUR STRENGTH 31 Haa Aaní: Our Land

32 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE Honoring & Utilizing Our Land

OUR ANCESTORS, WHO HAVE LIVED in this land for more than 10,000 years, taught us that everything has a Spirit.

When we utilize our resources, we must acknowledge the Spirits of the Land, Sea, and Air and tell them the benefits that their use will bring to our People.

Our ancestors protected the ownership of our land for their children and grandchildren just as we must do for future generations.

OPPOSITE: Haa Aaní graphic by Robert Davis Hoffmann.

HAA AANÍ: OUR LAND 33 The institute’s Tlingit Wood Carving series was published in 2009 and is available through Sealaska Heritage Institute.

34 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE Trees on the Land

FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS, NATIVE PEOPLE have utilized the trees in Southeast Alaska for canoes, houses, and cer- emonial objects. The forest provided the raw materials for clans’ at.óowu (sacred objects). When Westerns arrived, they denounced Native art as a manifestation of pagan religions and sought to suppress it. Today, there are only a few Native artists producing museum-quality carvings. “What I’m worried about is that this will be eventually lost, and then it will have to be picked up and reinterpret- ed,” said Tlingit artist Richard A. Beasley. “We don’t want to pass that hurdle on to our future generations.” In an effort to perpetuate the techniques that make Tlin- git art Tlingit, the institute in 2009 released Tlingit Wood Carving, a three-volume series written by Beasley. In the series, Beasley reveals how to make a Tlingit tray, hat, and mask from wood. He also shows how to make Tlingit paint and paintbrushes and how to inlay abalone and operculum into wood. The books are unique because the projects are broken down into detailed steps and each step includes a color photo. The institute published the books to help aspiring artists who don’t have access to teachers. “I think an aspiring artist is going to be able to take this book and go through the step-by-step process and pro- duce a good quality object,” said Worl, noting teachers also may use the series as a curriculum. “I haven’t seen any book out there that gives all the hints, the tricks, and the secrets that I know,” Beasley said. “And I’m willing to share them with everybody.” The project was funded through a grant from the Administration for Native Americans. Southeast Alaska—the ancestral homeland of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian.

36 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE Native Claims to the Land

THE INSTITUTE SUPPORTS PROJECTS that study and protect Native land and explore Native uses of the land and its resources.

SHI Sponsors Study of Native Land Claims Act In 1971, President Richard Nixon signed into law the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, the largest land claims settlement in United States history. The act, known as ANCSA, created twelve regional Na- tive corporations (a thirteenth was added later) and more than two-hundred local village corporations across the state. Almost one billion dollars was distributed to the corporations, which were authorized to select forty-four million acres of land. The settlement was revolutionary and a complete departure from Lower 48 Native land settlements, which established reservations. In 2009, the institute launched a study to evaluate whether the ANCSA corporate model was successful in integrating cultural values into modern corporations. “Have we been successful in terms of implementing this new model that both Native people and Congress wanted?” queried SHI President Rosita Worl. Worl, an anthropologist, and Dr. Tom Thornton conducted numerous interviews in 2009 with Native people who helped to secure the land claims settlement.

Two Researchers Partake in SHI’s Visiting Scholars Program The institute in 2009 sponsored visiting scholar Daniel FROM TOP: Harvey B. Marvin, Strong, who conducted research on subsistence activities Marlene Johnson, Clarence Jackson and other Native people in 2009 on the land. SHI also sponsored visiting scholar Swapna consented to interviews about the Mukhopadhyay, who conducted research on woven basket- Alaska Native Claims Settlement ry and was particularly intrigued by the mathematical skills Act of 1971. required to weave Native baskets.

HAA AANÍ: OUR LAND 37 Major—$500 and up (Corporations and Government) Alaska Humanities Forum First Alaskans Institute Native Rural Student Cen- Alaska USA Foundation Institute of Museum and ter Support American Seafoods Library Services Rasmuson Foundation Association of American Juneau Arts and Humani- University of Alaska South- Indian Affairs ties Council east Boyer Towing, Inc. Managed Business Solu- U.S. Department of Educa- British Petroleum (BP) tions (MBS) tion (ANEP) City and Borough of Juneau U.S. Department of the In- Wings of Alaska Columbia Helicopters, Inc. terior (NAGPRA) Eagle Capital Management National Science Founda- Elgee Rehfeld Mertz tion

Major—$500 and up (Individuals) Amy Gulick Christopher W. Gulick Richard Harris Amanda Mallott Dawn Dinwoodie Rod Worl Anthony Mallott Lee Kadinger Rosita Worl Carla Kleefeld Mindy Teolis Sam Landol Carolyn Kleefeld Pat Tynan Simon Teolis Charles W. Smythe Paul Edwards

38 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE Donors

Friends—up to $500 (Corporations and Organizations) Juneau Electric Juneau Lions Club

Friends—up to $500 (Individuals) Abby Morales Antone Araujo Brandon Derenoff Adrianne Davis April Hackney Brian Ackerman Agnes Johnson Arlene Flores Brian Stanley Aileen Curtis Arlene Tripp Brooke Stewart Alanna Wood Arnold Walker Bruce Jones Albert Frank Ashlyn Eagle Bruce Ward Albert Kookesh Astelle Auker Buck Ackerman Albert Wilson Audrey Mears Byron Mallott Albert Ames Augusta Weisner Callen Richert Albert Emery Barbara Chittenden Candida Fanshaw Alexandria Bowen Barbara Churchill Carl Mukpik Alice Bugni Barbara Laman Carlene Newman Alonzo Ausler Barbara Lewis Carmel Walder Amanda Schlecht Barbara Nelson Carol Borchers Amber Blatchford Becky Adams Carol Martinez Amelia Gage Benjamin Schultz Caroline Bashon Andra Crippen Beth Ketah Caron Clay Andrew Beierly Betty Allen Cathleen Nevers Andrew Daugherty Betty Murphy Charlene Dundas Andrew Peters Betty Skartvedt Charles Gordon Andrew Totland Beverly Kerr Charles Peele Anna M. Voltura Beverly Stearns Charles Renville Anne Clark Beverly Withrow Charlie Carle Annette Thompson Billy Backford Cheri Moy Anthony Lindoff Bradley Fluetsch Cheri Thomas Antoinette Mallott Branden Rickard Cheryl Anderson

DONORS 39 Cheryl Blanchard Darlene Souve Dori Lynn Cheryl Mellick Darold Peters Doris Bergeron Cheryle Enloe Darrel Verney Doris Stevens Chloe French Darrell Monta Dorothy Grant Chris Mc Neil David Churchill Duane Weedman Christien Boyd David Goade Dwayne Lee Christine Bean David Grant Earl Thompson Christopher Baz David Lawrence Edna Booth Christopher Cropley David Leask Edna Henry Christopher Sargent David Oehler Edna Peters Claire Henson David Weathers Edward Brakes Clara Garcia Dawn Young Edward Davis Clarence Jackson Dayna Carlson-Arnold Edward Hamblet Claudette Curtis Deborah Mc Lavey Edward Kahle Conner Davis Deborah White Edward Melhart Connie Lambert Deborah Williams Edward Mercado Constance Paddock Debra Bolanos Edwin Jensen Corinne Gurney Deena LaRue Eileen Baustian Corrine Garza Della Coburn Einar Haaseth Courtney Fleek Delores Armijo Elaine Frank Craig Merrill Delores Churchill Elena Wise Cynthia Ihde Derek Duncan Elizabeth Cheney Cynthia Kito Desmona Stevick Elizabeth Cook D. Leask Devyn Howard Ella Tiedemann Daniel King Diane Kytta Ellen Clark Daniel Little Diane Miller Ellen George Daniel Plummer Donald Bremner Ellen Greig Daniel Walter Donald Kasbohm Erika Mc Conkey Daniel Williams Donald Smith Erin Conley Danny Jorgensen Donna Knight Ernest Karras Darin Baines Donna Martinsen Ernest Mills Darlene Brevick Dora Jacobson Erwin Anselm

40 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE Donors

Esther Bingham Geri Lindemann James Price Esther Manship Gilbert Bradley James Walton Ethan Nickolai Gloria Keene Janet Burnett Ethel Lund Gloria Middleton Janet Lincoln Eugene Williams Gonzalo Pelayo Janet Sumey Eunice James Lee Gus Nelson Janice Del Prado Eva Bradley Gwendolyn Hall Janice Heaton Sheufelt Evelyn Carter Harlan Johnson Janice Weiser Evelyn Hatmaker Harris Mukpik Jasmine Bayou-Young Florence Moore Harris Skillie Jason Bigelow Florence Reynolds Harry Samato Jason Morgan Floyd Blue Heather Peele Jason Pratt Floyd Fulmer Helen Rodriguez Jean Gamache Frances Cummings Helene Simpson Jeane Breinig Francine Lloyd Henrietta Hoyt Jeanne Berretta Francis Maag Hilary Martin Jeannette B. Newland Franklin Williams Hilmer Johnson Jeannette Romero Frederick Bennett Hope Farmer Jeffery Johns Fredrick Gardner Ilya Mc Vey Jeffrey Davis Gail Cheney Irene Scriver Jeffrey Moran Garrett Walters Irene Shea Jeffrey Morris Gary Austin Jack Lyons Jenafer Delaney Gene Craig Jacqueline Johnson Jennifer Merrill Genevieve Schmidt Jacqueline Kookesh Jeremy Tutiakoff George Bennett Jade Araujo Jerome Duruz George Elmore Jaeleen Araujo Jim MacDiarmid George Esquiro Jaime Provencio Joan Dailey George Obert James Bolima Joan Mason George M. Obert James Bremner Joanne Triggs George Sumner James Charles Joanne West Gerald Slover James Mason Joaqlin Estus Gerald Weston James Matthews Joe Nelson

DONORS 41 Johanna Mitchell Karen Kropf Laura Williams John Bird Karissa Demmert Laurel Brouillette John Brainard Karl Demmert Laurie Miller John Dexter Karla Olsen Smith Lavina Guy John Gilbert Katherine Mcallister Lawrence Jorgensen John Gubatayao Kathleen Smith Leah Janisieski John Mason Kathleen Warden Leanndra Bergeron John Mc Vicar Kathleen Whitehead Lee Spears John Phipps Kathryn Hoyt Leonard Bariquit Jon Duncan Kathy Dye Leonard Nielsen Jonathan Weaver Kay Simmons Leonard Walker Jorge Pacheco Keely Linn Leroy Demmert Joseph Drellishak Kellie Goodwin Lewis Zastrow Joseph Emery Kelly Greene Liana Charley Joseph London Kelly Martin Lillian Arnett Joseph Orazio Kenneth Hoyt Lillian Worl Joseph Ross Kevin Lambert Linda Barenie Joseph Williams Kevin Patterson Linda Miller Josephine Patterson Kevin Thompson Linda Minarcin Josere Carrillo Kim Seierup Linda Qualls Juanita Fuller Kimberly Macloud Linda Schrack Judith Andrist Kimberly Mc Call Linda Thomassen Judith Driver Kimen Metzger Linda Wynne Judson Kokotovich Kimi Boal Lisa Bauschelt Judy Haffner Kirsten Deichert Lisa Cook Judy Tabafunda Klae Howard Lisa Dundas Julianne Tumulak Kristina Leslie Lisa George Julie Strickler-Thornton Kurtis Stuckey Lois Thadei June May Kyle Kahklen Lola Foss Karen Caindec Larry Davis Lonnie Demmert Karen Frarie Laura Dangel Lorene Taylor Karen Giroux Laura Hampton Loretta Ness

42 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE Donors

Lori Stedman Mary Grant Michele Kito Lorie Pruett Mary James Michelle Pytel Lorraine Doucette Mary Janssen Mildred Cristobal Lorraine Jackson Mary Mc Conkey Milton De Asis Lou Hillman Mary Merrill Minnie Kapotak Louaina Dewalt Mary Nelson Molly Ames Louis Polson Mary Paulson Morgan Howard Louise Clark Mary Ratliff Moses Nix Louise Kadinger Mary Russell Myra Kahle Lucinda Leask Matthew Cook Nancy Barnes Lyle Hughes Matthew Patterson Natalia Carlson Lyle Stack Matthew Williams Nick Nix Madeline Brainard Mavis Shaw Nina Estes Marcella Barton Maxine Moore Norma Copeland Marcella Chew Maxine Richert Norval Nelson Margaret Bell Maya Araujo Olga Norris Margaret Nelson Megan Gregory Olga Simpson Margie Weybright Melisa Castaneda Pacita Gilbert Marie Nielsen Melissa Lamebull-Ingram Pamela Schlecht Marie Olson Meribeth Traynor Patricia Alexander Marilyn Harris Merle Bajema Patrick Crane Marilyn Wilson Micalyne Coronell Patrick Gillen Mario Mc Eachern Michael Goodell Patrick Hamilton Marisa Viloria Michael Hamann Patrick Marvin Marita Heckenkamp Michael Hoyt Paul Dybdahl Marjorie Staub Michael Mc Clure Paul Wilson Mark Kaeding Michael Minden Paula Casperson Marlene Johnson Michael O Connell Pearl Vermeulen Marsha Hotch Michael Randall Peggy Ackerman-Sedivy Marta Ryman Michael Roberts Penny Gage Martha Howard Michael Tillman Peter Bayou Martha James Michaele Tavares Peter Galaktinoff

DONORS 43 Peter Jensen Robert Lampe Sarah Lampe Peter Kinsman Robert Lindsey Sasha Forsyth Priscilla Steele Robert Martin Scott Nelson Rafael Soto Robert Mc Cullough Shana Sellers Raino Hill Robert Walters Sharon Arriola Ramona Johnson Robert Whitener Sharon Knopp Randall Johanson Robert Shearer Sharon Zurfluh Raymond Perrualt Robert Wysocki Shawn Hull Raymond Pratt Roberta Cantrell Sheila Fluetsch Reba Dundas Roberta Gulledge Sheila Stanker Rebecca Knight Roberta Johnson Sheryl Haase Rebecca Simpson Robin Gage Shirley Gray Reggie Gleason Robin Gallagher Shirley Mulvihill Regina Tordillos Stone Robin Waldron Sidney Edenshaw Reginald Marvin Ronald Angus Stacey Wilson Reginald Peterson Ronald Bartlett Stephen Smeltzer Renee Kelly Roselyn Fay Steven Demmert Ricardo Worl Royce Mattson Steven Langdon Richard Kilmer Ruby Lanham Steven Mc Clure Richard Mc Leod Ruth Beymer Steven Morta Richard Miller Ruth Maslowski Sue Collis Richard Morrison Ruth Mc Kinnie Sunny Shender Richard Peterson Ry Walker Susan Andrianoff Richard Potolicchio Ryan Olson Susan Folletti Richard Rose Sabrina Zupan Sven Ahlen Richard Wilkin Sally Kookesh Sylvia Ahlalook Rita Gage Sandra Kuhnau Sylvia Dalton Roan Howard Sandra Samaniego Sylvia Lange Rob Hoyt Sandra Stevens Symsi Manuel Robert Allen Santiago Tordillos Tahnee KillsCrow Robert Beer Sara Starkweather Tamara Easton Robert Howery Sarah Dybdahl Tamara Haynes

44 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE Donors

Tamera Chavarria Vernon Point Tammy Pritchett Vernon Thomas Tara Lucas Vero Beattie Teahonna James Victoria Canul-Dunne Teresa Dean Vincent Rinehart Teresa De Witt Violet Miller Teresa Pas Virginia Gillen/allen Teresa Timo Wallace Marvin Terrance Littlefield Walter Jack Terrance Ozanich Walter Rud Terry Davenport Walter Soboleff Terry Gesulga Ward Ward Theodore Demmert Wendellyn Skaflestad Theodore Mukpik Wendy Glidmann Thomas Crane Wesley Dalton Thomas Gillen Wilbur James Thomas Harris William Hansen Thomas See William Littlefield Thomas Williams William Seward Timothy Brown William Thomas Timothy Starr William Usry Timothy Vera William Walton Tina Wright William Wilson Todd Antioquia Yolanda Dell Tommy Burns Yvonne Ackert Travis Boland Zina Ballard Val Luckhurst Valeriana Pickering Valerie Kline Valerie Lekanoff Valrie Mc Kinnon Vern Luckhurst

DONORS 45 Summary Financial Statement—Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009 (compiled from audited report)

Temporarily Unrestricted restricted Revenues, Gains and Other Support Contributions and Grants 2,915,408 182,388 Sales, Dues and Fees 110,863 Total Investment Income/(Loss) 10,856 823 Net assets released from restriction 39,651 (39,651)

Total Revenues and Gains 3,076,778 143,560

Expenses/Restriction Releases Program Services 1,676,329 Support Services Management and General 1,137,550 Resource Development 140,604

Total Expenses/Related 2,954,483 -

Increase in Net Assets 122,295 143,560

Net Assets, December 31, 2008 Endowments 86,764 Other Net Assets 1,747,471

Total Net Assets, December 31, 2008 1,747,471 86,764

Net Assets, December 31, 2009 Endowments 47,662 Other Net Assets 1,869,766 182,662

Total Net Assets, December 31, 2009 1,869,766 230,324

46 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE Financials

Permanently restricted Total

3,097,796 110,863 Sources of Funds FY 2009 Revenue 11,679 - 4% Contributions and Grants - 3,220,338 Sales, Dues 96% and Fees

1,676,329 Total Investment - Income/(Loss) 1,137,550 140,604

- 2,954,483 Expenses by Function - 265,855 Program 5% Services 20% 100,000 186,764 75% Management 91,000 1,838,471 and General

Resource 191,000 2,025,235 Development

100,000 147,662 91,000 2,143,428

191,000 2,291,090

FINANCIALS 47 OUR DEAR FRIEND, JOHNNY MARKS or K’oox of the Lukaax.ádi Clan, Walked into the Forest on September 28, 2009. His death leaves a big gap in Sealaska Heritage Institute. He was deeply loved and respected by SHI staff members. Johnny was raised as an aan yadí or noble person steeped in the knowledge of Tlingit culture. Although he is most widely known for his work on the Tlingit language, his deep knowledge and understanding of Tlingit culture was unsurpassed. He added to his traditional knowledge that he had gained from Elders by reading books on Tlingit culture and listening to tape recordings of Tlingit ceremonies and story telling. When he talked about our ancient culture and history, it was as if he had actually lived in those days. More importantly, he willingly shared his knowledge with staff members of SHI. We mourn his passing, but we honor his contributions that will benefit Tlingit People for centuries to come. As I write this, SHI is hosting a Forty-Day Party for Johnny as his spirit leaves us. We are forever richer because he walked on this land. —Rosita Worl, Yeidiklas’okw, Kaa haní

48 SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE Staff, Trustees, & Scholars

Staff Dr. Rosita Worl, President Linda Belarde, Curriculum Specialist Jacob Dutton, Finance Associate Sarah Dybdahl, Cultural Projects Coordinator Kathy Dye, Media and Publications Director Carmaleeda Estrada, Development Associate Lola Foss, Finance & Human Resources Director Donald Gregory, Administrative Assistant Megan Gregory, Project Assistant Rick Huteson, Archival Associate Zachary Jones, Archivist Lee Kadinger, Chief of Operations/Development Director David Katzeek, Tlingit Language Specialist Dr. Jordan Lachler, Sociolinguist Deena LaRue, Scholarship Administrator Jim MacDiarmid, Education Director Michael Obert, Administrative Assistant Rico Worl, Research Associate

Board of Trustees Council of Traditional Scholars Dr. Walter Soboleff, Chair Clarence Jackson, Chair Dr. Marlene Johnson, Vice Chair Ken Grant Joe Nelson, Secretary Joe Hotch Nancy Barnes David Katzeek Dr. Jeane Breinig Herman Kitka Clarence Jackson George Ramos Dr. Ethel Lund Dr. Walter Soboleff Robert Martin Mike Miller