The Angry Sea of Metlakatla

“A Tale of Respect and Harmony with Nature”

In the heart of Metlakatla, where the Tsimshian people have lived for generations, there lies a tale of the Angry Sea. This story has been passed down through the ages, whispered by the elders around the fire, and carried by the winds that sweep across the village.

Long ago, the sea was calm and generous, providing the Tsimshian with an abundance of fish and a safe passage for their canoes. The people lived in harmony with the waters, respecting its power and bounty. But one fateful day, a great storm brewed on the horizon, unlike any the villagers had ever seen.

The sky darkened, and the winds howled with a fury that shook the very foundations of the earth. The sea, once a friend, turned hostile and unrecognizable. Waves as tall as the tallest cedar trees crashed against the shore, and the ocean roared with a voice of thunder. The villagers knew this was no ordinary storm; it was the Angry Sea, awakened and wrathful.

Elder Naaxhi, a wise and respected leader, gathered the people in the longhouse. “We must appease the sea,” he said, his voice steady despite the chaos outside. “We have taken much from it, and now it demands respect and balance.”

The villagers, guided by Elder Naaxhi, prepared offerings of their finest fish, woven blankets, and carved totems. They ventured to the shore, where the waves threatened to swallow them whole. With great reverence, they cast their offerings into the tumultuous waters, singing songs of peace and gratitude.

For hours, they stood united, their voices rising above the storm. Slowly, the sea began to calm. The waves receded, and the winds softened to a gentle breeze. The sky cleared, revealing a brilliant sunset that painted the horizon in hues of gold and crimson.

The Angry Sea had been appeased. The villagers returned to their homes, grateful and humbled by the experience. From that day forward, they honored the sea with annual ceremonies, never forgetting the lesson of respect and balance.

And so, the story of the Angry Sea of Metlakatla lives on, a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of living in harmony with the world around us.