June 26, 2024 – Notes from Alex

“Journey to Annette Island”

In the heart of the Tsimshian territory, nestled between towering forests and the shimmering waters of the Pacific, lay the village of Metlakatla. The people thrived on the bounty of the land and sea, their lives woven with the threads of tradition, kinship, and reverence for nature.

But change was brewing. Across the border in British Columbia, the Canadian government sought to assimilate indigenous communities. Their laws suppressed native languages, disrupted cultural practices, and threatened ancestral lands. The Church of England, too, had its eyes on Metlakatla, eager to exert control over the thriving community.

Amidst this turmoil, a man named William Duncan emerged as a beacon of hope. A lay-priest, he believed in preserving Tsimshian culture, language, and autonomy. When faced with the choice of surrendering their land or resisting the Canadian Army, the people of Metlakatla made a bold decision.

They packed their canoes, bid farewell to their homes, and embarked on a journey northward. Their destination: Annette Island, Alaska—an untouched wilderness where they could build anew. The voyage was treacherous, but their determination carried them through storms and uncertainty.

As they landed on Annette Island, the salty breeze welcomed them. The forest whispered ancient secrets, and the waves sang songs of resilience. They set up camp, their spirits unyielding. William Duncan, now their leader, ensured that chiefs held positions of authority, and the Tsimshian language echoed through the trees.

In Alaska, they negotiated unprecedented rights—the right to fish, the right to land, the right to thrive. Their resilience bore fruit, and Metlakatla flourished once more. Founder’s Day became a yearly celebration, honoring their ancestors’ courage and the indomitable spirit that carried them across borders and into a new chapter of their story.

And so, the legacy of Metlakatla endures—a testament to community, heritage, and the unwavering bond between land and people.

Metlakatla has tenaciously preserved its cultural heritage through a blend of tradition, community efforts, and adaptation. Here are some ways they’ve achieved this:

Language Revitalization: The Tsimshian language remains central to Metlakatla’s identity. Elders pass down oral traditions, stories, and songs, ensuring that the language thrives. Language immersion programs and language nests help younger generations learn and speak Tsimshian.
Ceremonies and Celebrations: Metlakatla hosts annual events like Founder’s Day, potlatches, and tribal gatherings. These occasions celebrate cultural practices, dances, and songs. They reinforce community bonds and honor ancestors.
Art and Craftsmanship: Tsimshian artists create intricate wood carvings, totem poles, and regalia. These pieces tell stories, depict clan crests, and connect the present to the past. Art workshops and apprenticeships sustain these skills.
Fishing and Subsistence Practices: Fishing remains vital. Traditional methods, such as dip-netting for salmon, continue alongside modern techniques. Elders teach sustainable practices, emphasizing respect for the environment.
Education and Youth Involvement: Schools incorporate Tsimshian culture into curricula. Elders visit classrooms, sharing knowledge. Youth engage in cultural camps, learning drumming, dancing, and traditional skills.
Community Governance: Metlakatla’s elected council includes hereditary chiefs. They collaborate to protect land, fishing rights, and sacred sites. Decision-making reflects cultural values.
Storytelling and Oral History: Elders pass down stories of migration, survival, and resilience. These narratives inspire pride and resilience in younger generations.
Digital Media and Documentation: Metlakatla uses technology to record oral histories, document ceremonies, and share cultural knowledge online. Social media platforms connect community members worldwide.
Environmental Stewardship: The Tsimshian people view their land as sacred. Efforts to protect forests, rivers, and wildlife align with cultural beliefs. Traditional ecological knowledge informs conservation practices.

Intertribal Collaboration: Metlakatla collaborates with other indigenous communities, sharing cultural practices, language resources, and strategies for preservation.

In summary, Metlakatla’s commitment to language, art, education, and community ensures that their cultural heritage thrives across generations.

The Whisper of the Waves: The Legend of the Metlakatla Killer Whale.

In the deep waters off Metlakatla, Alaska, lived an orca unlike any other. Known to the locals as Kaskae, which means “strong” in Tsimshian, this magnificent killer whale was renowned for both its size and intelligence. Kaskae’s sleek black and white form glided effortlessly through the icy currents of the Pacific, its dorsal fin slicing through the water like a blade.

But Kaskae was not just another orca. It was a legend among its kind, whispered about in hushed tones by fishermen and elders alike. For years, Kaskae had roamed these waters, a silent sentinel of the sea. It was said to possess a cunning intellect, able to outwit seals and salmon with calculated precision.

One chilly autumn morning, as the fog hung low over the cliffs of Annette Island, Kaskae’s presence was felt more acutely than ever. The small fishing village of Metlakatla stirred with anticipation as news spread of a pod of humpback whales migrating nearby. It was an unusual sight so close to shore, and the villagers watched from the rocky coastline, marveling at the majestic giants breaching the surface.

Unbeknownst to them, Kaskae had also sensed the arrival of the humpbacks. With a primal instinct honed over years of hunting, the orca recognized an opportunity. Silently, it slipped away from the safety of the deeper waters and approached the unsuspecting pod.

Under the surface, Kaskae moved with stealthy precision, its powerful tail propelling it closer to the humpbacks. The larger whales seemed oblivious to the danger lurking beneath them. With a sudden burst of speed, Kaskae surged forward, jaws snapping shut around the flank of a young humpback.

The ocean erupted into chaos as the humpback pod scattered, their mournful cries echoing through the mist. Kaskae’s attack was swift and efficient, a testament to its prowess as a predator. Blood stained the water as the orca dragged its prize deeper into the depths, away from the prying eyes of the villagers.

In Metlakatla, whispers of Kaskae’s latest feat spread like wildfire. Some spoke of awe at the orca’s hunting skills, while others whispered of fear and reverence. For the villagers, Kaskae was not just a killer whale; it was a symbol of the untamed wilderness that surrounded them, a reminder of the delicate balance between predator and prey.

As the seasons changed and the waters grew colder, Kaskae continued to patrol the shores of Metlakatla, its presence a constant in the lives of those who called this rugged coastline home.

And though tales of the killer whale’s exploits would be told for generations to come, the mystery and majesty of Kaskae would forever remain intertwined with the soul of this remote Alaskan village.