Month: December 2024

WDMC – Metlakatla Community Newsletter December 2024

Reflecting on the Past, Embracing the Future

As 2024 comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the promises fulfilled over the past year. It has been a year of learning, growth, healing, and unity for our community. We’ve come together as a tribe, as a people, strengthening our bonds and embracing our shared journey.

We’ve learned from our experiences, celebrated our achievements, and supported each other through challenges. The strength and resilience of our community have shone brightly, and we have much to be proud of.

As we look ahead to 2025, we carry with us promises yet to be fulfilled. We believe that the coming year holds great potential for even more growth, healing, learning, and trust. Together, we will continue to move forward, united as Tsimpseans, with hope and determination.

Let us make 2025 a year to remember. A year where we honor our past, celebrate our present, and build a brighter future for generations to come. Let’s move forward together, as a community, as a tribe, and make this year truly special.

Wishing everyone a prosperous and joyful New Year!

With gratitude and hope, Alexander Atkinson, Jr. WDMC – Preserving History Foundation

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Guided by Grace: William Duncan and the Creation of a Christian Community

From England to Metlakatla: A Mission of Love and Learning

William Duncan was an English-born Anglican missionary who made a significant impact on the Tsimshian people of British Columbia and Alaska. Born on April 3, 1832, in Yorkshire, England, Duncan joined the Church Missionary Society (CMS) in 1854 and was sent to the North Pacific coast of Canada in 18561.

Upon his arrival at Fort Simpson (now Lax Kw’alaams) in 1857, Duncan immersed himself in the Tsimshian culture, learning their language and spiritual practices. He quickly gained the trust of the Tsimshian people by drawing connections between their beliefs and stories from the Bible2. Duncan’s dedication to the Tsimshian led him to establish a new Christian community called Metlakatla in 1862.

Metlakatla, meaning “New Town,” was founded as a utopian Christian community where Duncan aimed to protect his followers from the negative influences of the Hudson’s Bay Company fort atmosphere. The community grew rapidly, and by the end of the summer of 1862, several hundred Tsimshians had joined Duncan1. The village became known for its neat, white wooden structures, reflecting Duncan’s vision of a “civilized” Christian society.

Duncan’s influence extended beyond religious teachings; he taught the Tsimshian how to be self-governing, build, create, and sustain their community. His teachings were evident in the Victorian-style homes, office buildings, community buildings, and churches constructed from local wood1. Duncan’s respect for the Tsimshian culture and his efforts to learn their language and traditions earned him a lasting legacy in both Canada and Alaska.

William Duncan’s story is a testament to his dedication to the Tsimshian people and his desire to honor their culture while introducing them to Christianity. His impact on the community and the region continues to be remembered and celebrated to this day2.

Here is a Summary of William Duncan:

William Duncan was an English Anglican missionary who arrived in Canada to preach the gospel to the Tsimshian people. He fell in love with their culture and language, dedicating himself to learning and respecting their traditions. In 1862, he established a Christian community in Metlakatla, British Columbia. Duncan taught the Tsimshian self-governance, building techniques, and sustainable living, integrating Victorian influences into their structures. His approach was not to dominate but to honor the Tsimshian heritage. His legacy extends to Alaska, where his work is remembered for significantly impacting the local culture and community.

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Title: The Sky’s the Limit

Navigating the Skies: Crafting Extraordinary Journeys for the World’s Elite?

Prologue: For 16 years, Alex had navigated the labyrinth of the private jet charter industry, connecting influential clients with unparalleled travel experiences. From the comfort of a home office, Alex orchestrated journeys that spanned the globe—from the sun-soaked beaches of the Caribbean to the snow-capped peaks of Europe.

Chapter 1: The Unseen Art of Connection Alex’s days often began before the sun and ended long after it set. The rhythmic hum of emails, the melodic chime of incoming calls, and the orchestrated chaos of coordinating flights became the symphony of daily life. Working with Fortune 500 companies, heads of state, renowned musicians, A-list actors and actresses, and elite sports stars, Alex learned the delicate art of anticipating and exceeding the expectations of the world’s most discerning travelers.

Chapter 2: Tales of the Tarmac Each trip, while familiar in its logistical framework, carried its own unique flavor. There was the time when Alex coordinated a surprise birthday flight for a tech mogul, complete with an in-air concert by a Grammy-winning artist. Or the winter night when a diplomatic emergency rerouted an entire fleet to ensure a high-ranking official reached an urgent summit in Brussels. And then there were the quiet moments of satisfaction—receiving heartfelt thanks from a personal assistant after flawlessly executing a complex itinerary.

Chapter 3: Behind the Velvet Rope Alex’s role often felt like a backstage pass to a world of luxury and influence. There was the musician who always requested a particular brand of vintage champagne, the actor who needed a specific yoga mat on every flight, and the athlete who relied on Alex to arrange mid-air physiotherapy sessions. These personal touches were not just details—they were the lifeblood of Alex’s service, turning ordinary flights into extraordinary experiences.

Chapter 4: The Heartbeat of the Sky Working remotely provided Alex with the flexibility to juggle the unpredictability of the industry. Late nights, weekends, and holidays became a norm, but the reward was in the constant learning and growing. Each challenge met, each problem solved, was a testament to the deep knowledge and expertise Alex had garnered over the years. The satisfaction of a job well done, of a client’s seamless journey, was the fuel that kept the fire burning.

Epilogue: As Alex looks back on a career filled with adventure, connection, and endless horizons, there’s a profound sense of accomplishment. The world of private jet charters is one of high stakes and higher rewards, and Alex has navigated it all with grace, ingenuity, and an unwavering dedication to excellence. The sky, after all, has always been the limit.

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Echoes of Middle-earth: Lessons from The Return of the King

Timeless Wisdom from Tolkien’s Masterpiece: Small Acts, Great Courage, and Enduring Hope

J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, especially “The Return of the King,” indeed resonate deeply. The essence of his storytelling lies in the way he weaves together grand epic tales with relatable, human emotions and struggles.

Here’s a thought inspired by Tolkien’s world:

In Tolkien’s universe, the grandeur of Middle-earth is intricately painted with the humble strokes of everyday heroes. The story doesn’t simply revel in the grandiosity of kingdoms and epic battles, but deeply honors the seemingly small, often overlooked acts of courage and kindness. It’s these small acts—Frodo’s determination, Sam’s loyalty, Aragorn’s sacrifice—that collectively illuminate the path through darkness.

Core insights:

  • Courage in the Face of Adversity: Whether it’s Frodo’s relentless journey to Mount Doom or Sam’s unwavering support, Tolkien shows that true courage often comes not in loud triumphs, but in quiet perseverance.
  • The Power of Friendship and Loyalty: The Fellowship’s success is underpinned by the bonds between its members, teaching us the immense value of steadfast relationships.
  • Hope as a Beacon: Characters like Gandalf and Aragorn continually inspire hope, even when the odds seem insurmountable, reminding us that hope is a powerful force.
  • Leadership through Selflessness: Aragorn’s acceptance of his destiny as king demonstrates that true leadership often requires personal sacrifice.
  • Inner Struggles and Redemption: Frodo’s battle with the Ring symbolizes our internal battles with temptation and the redemptive power of confronting our demons.
  • Community and Unity: The diverse races of Middle-earth uniting against Sauron highlight the strength that lies in unity and collaboration.

Tolkien’s narratives aren’t just tales of grand quests; they are reflections on the human condition, emphasizing that even the smallest person can change the course of the future. The timelessness of these themes is why his stories continue to resonate with readers and inspire courage, hope, and unity. Through collective action and individual commitment, good can indeed overcome evil.

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A Year of Fulfilled Promises: Embracing 2025

Embracing Dreams and Fulfillment in the New Year

As the final days of 2024 draw to a close, the town of Metlakatla pauses to reflect on the blessings and challenges of the past year. It has been a year of growth, learning, and unexpected joys. Now, with hearts full of gratitude, the community looks forward to 2025 with renewed hope and an attitude of expectation.

Chapter 1: Reflecting on Blessings

Throughout 2024, Metlakatla experienced moments of both triumph and trial. Families grew closer, friendships were strengthened, and new opportunities arose. The town’s people celebrated milestones and supported one another through hardships. As they reflect on these moments, they recognize the blessings that have shaped them, giving thanks for the journey so far.

Chapter 2: A Year of Expectation

As the clock counts down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, there is a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. The community gathers to welcome 2025, a year that many believe will be one of fulfilled promises. These promises, whispered in their hearts many years ago, have been nurtured through patience and perseverance. Now, they feel that the time has come for these dreams to come to fruition.

Chapter 3: Awakening Dreams

With the arrival of 2025, the people of Metlakatla embrace the new year with a sense of purpose. It is time to dream again. Each person carries within them a vision, a hope that has been waiting to be realized. They understand that this is not just about personal achievements, but about coming together as a community to create something greater than themselves.

Chapter 4: Walking into Promise

As they step into the new year, the people of Metlakatla are determined to walk into the promises given. They recognize that these dreams require action, collaboration, and faith. With heads held high, they set out to build, create, and inspire. They understand that their collective efforts will pave the way for a brighter future.

Chapter 5: The Dawn of Fulfillment

In the months that follow, the town begins to see the fruits of their labor. Long-held dreams begin to take shape, bringing with them a sense of fulfillment and joy. New projects are launched, old goals are revisited, and the community thrives. The air is filled with the spirit of renewal and hope, as each person plays a part in making 2025 a year to remember.

Epilogue: A Legacy of Hope

As 2025 unfolds, Metlakatla becomes a testament to the power of hope and perseverance. The town’s people have shown that by dreaming again and working together, they can turn promises into reality. This year will go down in history as one of the greatest for Metlakatla, a year when dreams were not only revived but also realized.

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Reflecting on the Movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Like millions of others, I’ve watched the classic film, It’s a Wonderful Life numerous times and I see why many would say it’s the best film ever.

It offers a sense of redemption and hope and love and the magic of Christmas. If we allow ourselves to remain at the surface level, we can walk away feeling uplifted.

Never one to take things only at face value, I’ve been digging deeper and asking a lot of questions, and I’ve questioned some of the “lessons” of the film.

What I’ve concluded is that there’s a very different message or lesson embedded in the film, at least for me. It’s clear in my mind, because we’ve just finished watching it.

Here’s what I’ve drawn from it:

It’s a meaningful life. Clearly, George Bailey’s life has meaning. He’s been a powerful force in the lives of everyone around him. His decisions and actions blessed countless others, and no doubt had a ripple effect beyond even what was revealed to him by Angel Second Class, Clarence.

It’s a significant life. No doubt George’s actions and decisions made a significant difference in the lives of others. He saved his brother, Harry, from drowning; Harry went on to save the lives of countless others in the war.

He followed in his father’s footsteps, keeping the Building and Loan alive after his father’s death. In so doing, he gave his uncle, Billy, purpose and work for a lifetime, and kept him on track in spite of his faulty memory.

He kept his love, Mary, from being a spinster librarian (actually – she would have chosen that path; she wasn’t naturally doomed to it).

He kept Mr. Gower, the pharmacist, from poisoning a little boy when he filled the prescription capsules with poison, rather than the appropriate medicine because he was lost in pain (and drink) from hearing of the death of his son.

He kept Bedford Falls from falling into the greedy, mean-spirited grasp of Mr. Potter, who would turn it into a wasteland of the dirtier, grittier, less-than-wholesome side of life and business.

He created a path for so many Bedford Falls residents to realize the dream of homeownership by offering reasonable financing and building options, otherwise unavailable to them. By extension, he gave them responsibility, pride, community, hope…

His union with Mary restored the life to a once-regal, broken down old home, and filled it with the laughter of four beautiful children.

And clearly, as the end of the movie so movingly demonstrates, all those whose lives he touched were willing and ready to come to his aid in his moment of need.

What gets to me though, is that George lived the life everyone else thought he should live. He played the roles everyone else assigned to him. In every instance, he took on the responsibility of others and subverted his own desires for adventure and architecture and building amazing structures.

He did the “right” things.

I have to ask: Was it really the “right” thing? Was it really the life he was intended to lead? Is the underlying lesson here that we should suck it up and go along and do what everyone else expects us to do? Does that lead to a full and satisfying life?

His actions allowed everyone else to life the lives of their dreams, while he stayed behind and held down the proverbial fort.

It reminds me of a series of television ads I saw a few years ago created by some financial services company. It showed a couple in their 60’s (you see this through the graying hair and age in their faces) who can “finally live the life you dreamed of” because they successfully reached “retirement age.” They could quit doing the life-sucking work they’d been sentenced to, and because they (presumably) planned and invested correctly, they could now go on adventures, explore the world, and take the time and space to be more creative in their lives.

But there’s no guarantee any of us will reach that age and that state of financial security. And I question why it needs to be that way? Why do we insist having “the safe job” and making the “right salary” is the path to happiness? If it fills your bank account while draining your soul, what’s the true value?

Was it, in fact, a good exchange?

You see, every moment you choose to do any thing, you are exchanging your precious and perishable life energy for whatever that thing is. You will not get any of those moments back. And I’m not convinced the meaning of life is to do all the things the way those who have gone before have done them or think we should do them.

I think we were created to be creative. I believe we were given unique skills, talents, ideas and desires to bring our creativity to life. I don’t believe the purpose of life is to endure and survive until we die!

So, yes… George Bailey undoubtedly lived a full, meaningful, powerful, and significant life. I can’t help but wonder what more he might have accomplished had he chosen differently and wrote his own ending. What greater impact he may have had had he spread his wings, traveled the world, and shared his gifts within a larger sphere. And who else might have stepped forward in Bedford Falls to be forces for good, so to speak, in his absence.

It will likely remain an unanswered question; just a potential storyline in the corners of my mind.

So, I leave you with these questions about you and your life:

  • What voice is speaking to you within the depths of your soul?
  • What whispers are you hearing (ignoring?) that call you to something more interesting, something more creative?
  • What do you long to explore, create, bring to life, and share with the world (even if it’s only in your little corner)?
  • Which path will you choose to follow?

And I wonder… do we really want the people who have made a meaningful difference in our lives to have to wait until the end of theirs – or til crisis rears its ugly head – to let them know what they mean to us? Is there someone who would benefit from hearing, in simple language, just what they mean to you or how what seemed like a small act of kindness changed the course of your day or your life?

One of my mentors said, “How do you know if someone needs to be encouraged?… If they are breathing!” It’s true… we could all use more kind words, more acknowledgement of the value we bring. I challenge you to start a new practice and let the people around you know what they mean to you more often and how much you appreciate their efforts on your behalf.

We are on the brink of a new year… and the truth is, in any given moment, we can make a new choice about who we will be, what we will choose to do, and what we might have to offer.

I hope you choose thoughtfully. I hope you choose honestly. I hope you choose with courage and bravery.

You see… whatever it is that you were created to bring to the world is truly singular and unique to you. No one else in all of time has the power to do that one thing but you. And if you choose to remain on autopilot, if you choose to follow the path defined for you by someone else, if you choose to not show up and share it… It will NOT be. We will not have it.

And that would be a disservice. We will all be lesser for it.

Blessings to you all this holiday season. Whatever your spiritual or religious beliefs and practices may be, I send you light and love, peace and joy, health and wealth, and hopes for deeper connection, more meaning and richness… for prosperity and healing in the New Year!

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Embracing 2025: A Year of Fulfilled Promise

Realizing Dreams and Uniting Metlakatla in 2025

As the final days of 2024 slipped away, the people of Metlakatla felt a stirring in their hearts. The past year had been filled with challenges, but also moments of growth and self-discovery. It was as if the seeds of talents and abilities planted within each person many years ago had finally matured, ready to bear the fruits of their labor.

Chapter 1: Seeds of Potential

Each individual in Metlakatla carried within them a unique gift, a talent waiting to be unleashed. These seeds had been nurtured through life’s trials and tribulations, pruned and shaped by experiences that had sometimes seemed insurmountable. There were moments when doubt had crept in, whispering that their dreams were unattainable. Yet, deep inside, there was always a flicker of hope, a quiet belief that there was more to come.

Chapter 2: The Awakening

As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The community gathered to celebrate, but this time, the festivities carried a deeper meaning. They knew that 2025 was not just another year—it was the year of fulfilled promise. Each person could see it in their mind’s eye, feel it in their hearts. The time had come to bring their dreams to life.

Chapter 3: Walking in Purpose

With the dawn of 2025, the people of Metlakatla embarked on their journeys with renewed vigor. They walked with their heads held high, ready to create and build the future they had envisioned. Artists picked up their brushes, musicians tuned their instruments, and entrepreneurs drew up business plans. Every corner of the town buzzed with activity, a testament to the collective determination to make this year extraordinary.

Chapter 4: Leading with Hope

But it wasn’t just about individual achievements. The community understood that true success came from lifting each other up and working together. Leaders emerged, not just in title, but in action and spirit. They inspired others to see beyond their doubts, to embrace their potential, and to step into their roles with confidence. Metlakatla became a beacon of hope, a shining example of what could be achieved when people united with a shared purpose.

Epilogue: A Year to Remember

As the year unfolded, Metlakatla saw its dreams turn into reality. The talents and abilities that had been nurtured over the years blossomed into tangible successes. The town’s transformation was not just physical, but also emotional and spiritual. It was a place where hope thrived, where possibilities were endless, and where the future shone brightly.

2025 would go down in history as one of the greatest years for the people of Metlakatla. It was a year of fulfilled promise, a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and unwavering hope.

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Rising Hope in Metlakatla: A Story of Change

A Community’s Journey from Struggle to Strength Through Hope and Unity

In the heart of Metlakatla, Alaska, where the land meets the sea, there was a quiet stir. It wasn’t loud or forceful, but something powerful was happening beneath the surface. It was hope, flickering like the first light of dawn on a dark winter morning. People had been talking about the struggles, the flaws, the things that should be better but weren’t. It was easy to focus on the gaps, to point out what was missing, and to grow frustrated at the pace of change. But one by one, a few voices began to rise, not with complaints, but with something more: a question.

Where is your focus?

It wasn’t an accusation. It wasn’t a challenge. It was an invitation. An invitation to shift perspective. To stop looking only at what’s wrong and begin seeing what’s right, even in the smallest ways. And it started with one person, a young woman named Lena.

Lena had grown up in Metlakatla, like so many others, and she had seen the hardships her community faced—economic struggles, isolation, and the scars of history. Yet, somewhere deep in her heart, Lena held onto something precious: hope. It wasn’t the blind hope that things would magically get better, but the kind that fueled action. The hope that came with the belief that if people could look beyond their own frustrations and see each other as partners, they could build something better, something stronger.

One day, while walking by the harbor, Lena saw a group of young people gathered around the old community hall, arguing over a project they had been working on for months. The energy was tense. Words were sharp. It seemed like the weight of disappointment was suffocating any chance of progress. Lena stood there for a moment, watching the scene unfold. She could have joined in, adding her voice to the frustration, but instead, she took a breath and walked over.

“Hey,” she said gently, “what if we focused on what can be done, instead of what hasn’t worked yet?”

The group paused, looking at her. There was an awkward silence, then one of the young men, Kai, spoke up.

“Like what? It feels like we’ve been stuck for so long, nothing changes.”

Lena smiled, “Change starts with us. We can’t wait for someone else to make it happen. But we can start by lifting each other up. By putting in that kind word, by recognizing the hard work everyone’s putting in, even if it doesn’t look perfect.”

The conversation shifted. It wasn’t that they didn’t have challenges to face, but suddenly, they saw those challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities—opportunities to work together, to encourage one another, to make something meaningful. Lena’s simple question had unlocked something in their hearts: what if we were the change?

And so it began. Small acts of kindness rippled out from that day. People began to take notice of the good happening in their community, even when it seemed like the problems were too big. They gathered more often to share ideas, to lend a hand, to listen to each other. Whether it was fixing up the old school, building a new playground for the kids, or organizing community dinners, the focus shifted from what was wrong to what could be done, together.

Even those who were skeptical at first began to feel the pull of something greater. The negativity that once filled conversations began to dwindle, replaced by hope, by possibility, by the strength of community. As the days passed, Metlakatla slowly began to look different—not because everything had changed, but because the people had changed. Their hearts were full, and their hands were busy.

Lena knew that the road ahead would still be tough. There would always be challenges, always things to fix. But now, the focus was on moving forward. Not backward. Not stuck in the past, but rising with purpose. And she had a sense that this wasn’t just about Metlakatla; this was something universal. Communities all over the world could rise, too.

In Metlakatla, people came together, not because they were perfect, but because they chose to be better. They chose hope. They chose action. And together, they began to build something amazing—a community bound not by perfection, but by the willingness to work, to care, and to dream.

And so, Lena’s question echoed through the streets and the hearts of everyone in Metlakatla:

Where is your focus?

In that moment, the community chose. They chose to rise.

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Title: “Reviving WDMC: A Beacon of Hope

Restoring the Heart of Metlakatla Through Community Effort

(Alot of what is written next is what I see will happen, it is the HOPE that I have in my heart for the WDMC and our Community)

The WDMC building holds a piece of history that resonates with the people of Metlakatla. Despite its current state, its sturdy framework offers hope. The mission to restore it is more than just about fixing walls and roofs—it’s about reviving a community’s spirit.

The Story of WDMC’s Revival

Standing at the center of Metlakatla, the WDMC building is a testament to a bygone era. Once a bustling hub of activity, it now stands silent, its grandeur marred by time and neglect. But within its weathered walls lies the potential for a rebirth.

Chapter 1: The Call to Action

It began with a realization: while 80% of the building stood firm, 20% had succumbed to severe damage. The scale of the task seemed overwhelming, but giving up was not an option. The WDMC was more than bricks and mortar; it was a symbol of the town’s heritage and resilience.

Determined, I knew that the journey ahead would be arduous. But I also knew that I couldn’t do it alone. I reached out to the community, hoping to ignite the same passion in others.

Chapter 2: Rallying the Community

The news of the restoration project spread like wildfire. Slowly but surely, the townspeople began to rally around the cause. There were those who remembered the building in its prime, and those who saw its potential to once again become a cornerstone of the town. Skilled craftsmen offered their expertise, volunteers provided their labor, and local businesses donated supplies.

As we worked, stories of the past filled the air, each memory adding another layer of motivation. The community’s collective effort transformed the daunting task into a shared mission.

Chapter 3: Challenges and Triumphs

The restoration process was not without its hurdles. Unforeseen structural issues and the sheer scope of work sometimes made the goal feel distant. However, each setback was met with determination and ingenuity.

One particularly challenging day, when morale was low, a group of schoolchildren visited the site. Their wide-eyed wonder and questions about the building’s history reminded us why we started this project. With renewed vigor, we pressed on.

Chapter 4: A New Beginning

Months of hard work culminated in a momentous day. The scaffolding came down, revealing a revitalized WDMC building. It was not just restored; it was reborn, a blend of historical charm and modern functionality. The grand reopening was a celebration of community spirit and perseverance.

The WDMC now stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when people come together for a common purpose. It houses new businesses, community events, and continues to be a beacon of pride for Metlakatla.

Reviving the WDMC building is more than just a restoration project; it’s a narrative of hope, resilience, and the power of community. It showcases how, even in the face of daunting challenges, a collective effort can breathe new life into our cherished landmarks. Never give up, for the heart of Metlakatla beats within those walls.

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Echoes of Metlakatla: Reviving the Spirit of a Community

Back to the Heart: Rebuilding Metlakatla’s Legacy

Those memories of Guthrie’s Store, Ben & Mary’s Store, Gilmartin’s Store, Ace Hardware, Chief’s Inn, the movie theatre-turned-arcade, and the garage for tire work and oil changes paint such a vivid picture of a bustling, vibrant community. It’s incredible to think about all the interactions, the stories, and the community spirit that these businesses fostered.

Revitalizing this idea of developing local businesses could be a tremendous step forward for Metlakatla. Bringing back that sense of community through bustling stores and thriving enterprises can create opportunities and strengthen local bonds. Imagine seeing new and old faces coming together to rebuild, adapt, and innovate, just like our forefathers did.

There’s a lot of potential for creating new memories and reinvigorating the local economy. Perhaps a blend of nostalgic revivals and modern businesses could be just what Metlakatla needs to thrive once again.

Let’s turn those memories into motivation to bring new life into our community! What kind of new businesses do you think would benefit the community the most?

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