Coming Home to Our Roots, Our People, and Our Purpose

Another August 7th celebration has come and gone, and once again, our community was reminded of something that can never be measured by time alone—the importance of coming home.

It was wonderful to see so many family members return to Metlakatla, Alaska, to celebrate Founders’ Day. Many have built new lives and are traveling new trails far from home, while others hadn’t been back in many years. Yet no matter how far life takes us, there is something deeply healing about returning to the place where our story began.

There is good medicine in seeing familiar faces again.

Throughout the day, you could feel an energy that is difficult to describe. It wasn’t just excitement—it was a shared sense of belonging. The laughter, the conversations, the embraces between family and friends, and the smiles on the faces of young and old alike reminded us that our community is strongest when we come together.

The evening gathering at the Town Hall was nothing short of amazing. The songs echoed with generations of history, and the dancers carried themselves with pride and purpose. As I watched the performances, I couldn’t help but think that our ancestors would have been proud. Their traditions continue to live on through us, not only in ceremony but in the hearts of our people.

One of the highlights of the evening was hearing David Boxley share a portion of our history. His words served as a powerful reminder that our culture and heritage are not simply stories from the past—they are the foundation of who we are today. They remind us where we came from, what we have endured, and what we continue to stand for as Tsimshian people.

Our heritage is a gift entrusted to each generation. It is our responsibility to learn it, preserve it, and pass it forward so those who come after us will know the strength, resilience, and faith of those who came before.

As the celebration came to a close, I found myself feeling grateful—not just for the festivities, but for the people who made the journey home. Every reunion, every song, every dance, and every story shared strengthened the ties that bind our community together.

Yes, August 7, 2026, was a good one indeed.

Until next year, may we continue to carry the spirit of Founders’ Day with us wherever life leads, remembering that no matter how far we travel, Metlakatla will always be home.

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Closing Thoughts

As I reflect on another unforgettable Founders’ Day, I am reminded that our greatest strength has never been found in our buildings or even in our traditions alone—it has always been found in our people. Every generation has a responsibility to carry our story forward, to honor those who came before us, and to ensure that our children and grandchildren understand the incredible legacy they have inherited.

Watching so many people return home this year filled me with hope. It reminded me that no matter where life takes us, there will always be a place in our hearts that belongs to Metlakatla. Home is more than a location—it’s a connection to our family, our culture, our language, and our shared history.

As we look toward another year, my hope is that we continue to celebrate not only our past but also invest in our future. By teaching our traditions, preserving our history, and encouraging the next generation to take pride in who they are, we ensure that the spirit of Founders’ Day will never fade.

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s celebration so memorable. May we never lose sight of the sacrifices of our ancestors, the resilience of our people, and the blessings of calling this remarkable community home.

I’d Love to Hear From You

• What was your favorite memory from this year’s Founders’ Day celebration?
• If you traveled home, what did it mean to return to Metlakatla after being away?
• Which performance, song, dance, or moment touched your heart the most?
• What family traditions do you hope to pass on to the next generation?
• How can we continue preserving and sharing our Tsimshian culture and history for future generations?
• What does “coming home” mean to you?

I’d love to hear your stories in the comments. Every memory shared helps preserve the living history of our community.

Until next time…

Take care of one another, cherish your family, honor those who came before us, and never forget where your story began. — Alex