Museum Walk
“Ours tells the stories of all the people of Sitka,”
Inside the park, a wooden bridge crosses over Indian River, the spawning grounds for Sitka’s salmon. The river twists and turns through the park and trickles over rocks that protect the roe below.
With towering totem poles at home in the woods among the Sitka spruce and a clear-cut field marking the location of a historic fort site, the cultural significance of this natural beauty can be felt as well. The totem poles not only stand out as works of art,
but they also tell the unique stories and rich history of the Alaska Native people.
“The park is hugely significant because
of the Battle of 1804 that occurred there between the Russians and Tlingít. It was
the last major armed conflict that occurred between Europeans and Alaska Natives,” says Tonia Puletau-Lang, tourism manager for the Sitka Tribe of Alaska.
Guests who visit the park during the summer season have the opportunity to watch Native artists demonstrate their craftsmanship
of woodworking, beading and engraving. And, as part of a cultural tour with Tribal Tours, visitors have the unique opportunity to discover why this place is so special from
the perspective of a culture that has been here for thousands of years.
“The first people to Sitka are the Tlingít,
the indigenous people,” says Tonia. “The elders say they’ve been here since time immemorial, so the land has been inhabited by the first people for a very long time.”
Native leadership believed visitors to Sitka deserved and would enjoy experiencing the town from the Tlingít perspective, so along with a tour of the park,Tribal Tours also takes guests to other locations in town, including the Alaska Raptor Center and Fortress of the Bear. Most tours conclude with an immersive experience in indigenous culture at the Sheet’ka Kwaán Naa Kahídi, or the community house for the people of Sitka.
In 1997, the Sitka Tribe of Alaska built this modern rendition of a traditional Tlingít clan house in downtown Sitka, incorporating many elements of traditional clan houses. Massive structural beams, tiered seating
and a central firepit traditionally used for cooking and heating, now used during storytelling, create an inviting and warm atmosphere. Covering the back wall of the stage area, a huge, hand-carved house screen attracts the attention of the crowd.
“It’s one of the largest house screens in the Pacific Northwest,” says Tonia. “It represents the entirety of the Tlingít nation. It depicts both eagle and raven—it is designed to show the balance. All Tlíngit people are either eagle or raven.”
At the Sheet’ka Kwaán Naa Kahídi, visitors can experience a cultural demonstration led by the Naa Kahídi dancers. The songs and dances included in this performance have been passed down from many generations of the Tlingít people, and though it took some time for permission to be given to share the songs belonging to different clans, clans eventually decided it was important to have their culture represented and shared in a way that respected their traditions.
In the half hour show, stories are told and the different types of dances are shared. After the show concludes, visitors have the opportunity to meet the performers, take photos and ask questions. Tribal Tours continues to share the Tlingít culture while also giving their tribal members the chance to celebrate their heritage.
“It’s a great opportunity for young people to continue engaging in the songs and dances in a traditional way,” says Tonia. “Also, it gives young people the opportunity to really have a sense of pride in their culture and share that with visitors who come to Sitka.”
Though there are many ways to experience Sitka, Tribal Tours gives a unique insight into the history and culture that have helped create Sitka to be what it is today. Visitors can experience the Tlingít culture while walking among the totem poles in Sitka National Historical Park and get a deeper look into history during a performance by the Naa Kahídi dancers.
TRIBAL TOURS
A Celebration of
Tlingít Culture
Strolling along a quiet path with rainforest canopy above, visitors to Sitka National Historical Park are enveloped in the lush landscape. Eagles and ravens swoop through the sky while humpback whale spouts can be spotted in neighboring Sitka Sound.
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