A Summer of Opportunities in Metlakatla, Alaska

Embracing Adventure and Culture: Discover Metlakatla’s New Horizons in 2025

The small yet vibrant town of Metlakatla, Alaska, is gearing up for a transformative summer. Known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty, Metlakatla is poised to become a hub of seasonal business opportunities, drawing tourists and providing employment for the local community.

Bike Tours and Electric Bikes

Imagine cruising through the scenic landscapes of Metlakatla on a guided bike tour. Starting at the Breakwater, tourists can pedal their way through various landmarks—visiting the Long House, the casino, the picturesque Head of the Bay, the graveyard, and the serene trails around Big Lake. There’s even a route that leads to the secluded Canoe Cove. Electric bikes, already popular in other tourist towns, could revolutionize these tours. With the help of grants, the community can acquire these bikes, enhancing the experience for tourists and creating summer jobs for locals.

Eco-Tourism: Kayaking and Canoe Tours

Building on the eco-tourism trend, kayaking and canoeing offer another way to explore Metlakatla’s natural wonders. Guided tours could take visitors through the bay or out to various lakes, combining the thrill of adventure with the tranquility of nature. Imagine a kayak and casino tour or a heritage tour that includes stops at the Long House, the Artist Village, and performances by the local native dance group. These tours would not only be a unique attraction but also a source of pride for the community.

Culinary and Cultural Experiences

For those with a taste for local flavors, a shop selling smoked salmon provided by the Alaska Independent Producers Company (AIPC) could be a delightful addition. Visitors can tour the plant, learn about its history, and see firsthand how this facility has been a cornerstone of the community for years.

2025: A Year to Remember

With these innovative ideas, 2025 is set to be a year of new opportunities for Metlakatla. By tapping into its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the entrepreneurial spirit of its residents, Metlakatla can offer memorable experiences for tourists while boosting the local economy. These initiatives are not just possible—they are within reach and ready to be realized.

Together, let’s make 2025 a year to remember in Metlakatla—a year of growth, adventure, and new beginnings. 🌟

January 15, 2025 0

Cherished Saturdays

Every Saturday morning was a special ritual for the family. The air would be filled with the excitement of a new adventure, as one of the boys eagerly awaited their turn for the coveted one-on-one breakfast with Dad. With four energetic boys, a solo breakfast was a rare treat, a chance for uninterrupted conversation and undivided attention.

On one particular Saturday, it was the second oldest’s turn. He was thrilled to pick his favorite café for their morning meal. The café was a cozy little spot, with the smell of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the aroma of pancakes and bacon. The young boy, just seven years old, relished this quality time with his father.

After breakfast, the tradition continued with a visit to K-Mart. The highlight of the trip was always choosing a new Hot Wheel to add to his growing collection. The boy would carefully examine each car, weighing his options before selecting the perfect one.

As they were leaving the café that morning, the boy turned to his father with a mischievous glint in his eye and asked, “Dad, did you notice my socks?”

His father, sensing this was going to be an interesting conversation, replied, “Well, no, son, I didn’t.”

“Do you think anyone noticed my socks?” the boy asked, his curiosity piqued.

“Hmm, I don’t think so,” his father answered, intrigued by where this was heading.

The boy sat there, pondering for a moment, before asking, “Well, then, if you didn’t notice my socks and no one else noticed my socks, why does Mom make me change them all the time?”

His father couldn’t help but laugh at the boy’s innocent logic. It was moments like these that made the routine so precious. He explained with a chuckle, “Well, if you didn’t change your socks, there’s a good chance your feet would smell really bad!”

Both of them burst into laughter, sharing a moment of pure joy and understanding. It was in these simple, everyday moments that the bond between father and son grew stronger.

These Saturdays were not just about breakfast or new toys, but about creating lasting memories, sharing laughs, and cherishing the fleeting moments of childhood. As the years passed, and the boys grew older, these memories became a treasure trove of the past, reminding them to cherish every moment spent together.

Note: I wrote this one with tears streaming down face.

January 15, 2025 0

Time Marches On

Embracing the Past, Navigating the Present, and Looking Forward: A Journey Through Time in Metlakatla

In the quiet town of Metlakatla, nestled in the stunning wilderness of southeast Alaska, time seemed to move at a gentler pace. Yet, even here, the unrelenting march of time was evident in every nook and cranny. Olivia, a resident of Metlakatla for over six decades, often reflected on this unstoppable force.

When Olivia was a child, Metlakatla was a tapestry of vibrant fields and bustling markets. The old clock tower, standing tall in the town square, chimed every hour, a constant reminder that moments were fleeting. As a young girl, Olivia marveled at the world around her, unaware that the seasons of her life would turn just as predictably as the Earth orbited the sun.

Decades passed, and the once familiar sights of her youth began to transform. The wooden bridge she used to cross on her way to school was replaced with a sturdy steel structure. The small bakery on Elm Street, where the sweet scent of freshly baked bread once wafted through the air, had become a modern café, its charm altered but not entirely lost. In these changes, Olivia saw a reflection of her own life. She aged, her youthful energy giving way to a more measured grace.

Time had touched Olivia gently, painting her hair with strokes of silver and etching fine lines around her eyes. She felt the evidence of aging in her bones, and saw it in the mirror, yet there was an ageless spirit within her that often took her by surprise. Despite the years that had passed, she frequently found herself feeling like the same inquisitive girl who had once roamed the meadows with wide-eyed wonder.

As she walked through Metlakatla, now accompanied by her grandchildren, Olivia realized that while everything around her had evolved, the essence of those things remained the same. The fields were still green, though perhaps more cultivated, and the markets still bustled, though with different faces. The constants in life had merely taken on new forms, much like herself.

“How do we handle the fact that time marches on, with or without us?” Olivia pondered aloud one day while sitting on a park bench, watching her grandchildren play. She concluded that accepting the passage of time meant embracing change while cherishing the core of what remains timeless. It was about acknowledging the beauty in growth and the value of memories.

In the end, Olivia found peace in the understanding that time’s march was a journey, not just for her but for everything and everyone around her. She carried the past with her, not as a burden but as a treasured companion, helping her navigate the present and look forward to the future, one step at a time.

January 15, 2025 0

Strength in Numbers: The Role of Faith Community

A supportive faith community is essential for our spiritual growth and well-being. Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers encourages us, holds us accountable, and provides a sense of belonging. Together, we can uplift one another and strengthen our faith. As Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”

1. The Importance of Community

God created us to be in relationship with one another. A faith community provides a sense of belonging and connection, reminding us that we are not alone in our spiritual journey. Being part of a community allows us to share our joys and sorrows, celebrate milestones, and receive support during difficult times. It creates an environment where we can grow together in faith and love.

2. Encouragement and Accountability

One of the greatest benefits of a faith community is the encouragement and accountability it offers. When we gather with fellow believers, we are inspired to live out our faith more fully. We can share our struggles and successes, knowing that others are there to offer support and guidance. Accountability partners help us stay committed to our spiritual practices and goals, providing gentle reminders and encouragement along the way.

Encouragement: Hearing testimonies of God’s work in others’ lives can inspire and uplift us. We are reminded of God’s faithfulness and the power of His love.
Accountability: Having someone to walk alongside us in our spiritual journey helps us stay focused and committed to our faith. We can hold each other accountable to our commitments and encourage one another to grow.

3. Opportunities for Service and Ministry

A faith community provides countless opportunities for service and ministry. Together, we can make a greater impact in our communities and the world. Serving alongside others strengthens our bonds and deepens our sense of purpose. Whether it’s through volunteering at a local food bank, participating in mission trips, or supporting church initiatives, working together allows us to live out our faith in meaningful ways.

Service Projects: Engage in service projects that meet the needs of your local community. This can include food drives, clothing donations, and community clean-ups.
Ministry Teams: Join ministry teams within your faith community, such as worship, outreach, or prayer groups. These teams provide a platform to use your gifts and talents to serve others.

4. Spiritual Growth and Learning

Being part of a faith community fosters spiritual growth and learning. Through Bible studies, prayer groups, and worship services, we deepen our understanding of God’s Word and His plan for our lives. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights with others enriches our spiritual journey and helps us grow in our faith.

Bible Studies: Participate in group Bible studies to explore God’s Word together. Discussing scripture with others can provide new perspectives and deeper insights.
Prayer Groups: Join prayer groups to pray for one another and lift up the needs of the community. Prayer strengthens our connection with God and with each other.

5. Building Lasting Relationships

A faith community provides a space to build lasting relationships with others who share our beliefs and values. These relationships offer companionship, support, and encouragement throughout life’s journey. Knowing that we have a network of people who care for us and are there to support us brings immense comfort and joy.

Conclusion

A supportive faith community plays a vital role in our spiritual growth and well-being. By surrounding ourselves with fellow believers, we find encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging. Together, we can uplift one another and strengthen our faith, as Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” Let us embrace the power of community and walk together in faith and love.

January 15, 2025 0