Building Partnerships, Creating Possibilities, Preserving Our History

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I have been receiving quite a few questions lately about the Metlakatla Heritage Foundation and our fundraising efforts, so I wanted to take a moment to share an update with the community.

One of the questions I have been hearing is:

“Will there be opportunities for LOCAL fundraising, too?”

The answer is yes!

While we are working toward seeking corporate sponsorships, foundation support, and grant funding for some of the larger restoration and preservation projects, I also believe strongly that our community should have the opportunity to be part of this effort.

As the plans move forward, you will begin to see opportunities for local fundraising—things such as community meals, events, donation drives, and other ways for individuals and families to contribute.

Every contribution matters. Whether it is $5, $50, a community fundraiser, volunteering your time, or helping with a restoration project, this is something we can build together.

Building Partnerships

Another important part of this journey is something we are actively working on right now: developing partnerships for the Foundation.

We are reaching out and beginning conversations with organizations, businesses, preservation groups, foundations, community partners, and others who may be able to bring resources, expertise, funding, or hands-on assistance to the work we are trying to accomplish.

I believe partnerships will be an important part of making this vision a reality.

The Foundation cannot—and should not—try to do everything alone.

There will be certain projects and tasks that we will focus on directly, while our partners may take the lead on other projects where they have specific experience, resources, or expertise.

By working together, we can accomplish far more than any one organization could accomplish by itself.

And this is where I believe the Foundation can have a real impact on our community.

This isn’t just about restoring buildings.

Preservation work can create opportunities for local involvement, volunteers, young people, skilled workers, businesses, artists, historians, educators, and community members.

It can help us tell our story.

It can create opportunities for tourism and education.

It can give our young people a chance to learn about the history that surrounds them.

And it can help breathe new life into places that have been part of Metlakatla for generations.

And Yes—There Will Be a Website

Another question I have been asked is:

“Will the Foundation have a website?”

Yes. That is also in the works.

One of the things I want the website to do is help people see what we are trying to preserve.

We want to share photographs and information about the buildings, places, and stories that are part of our community’s history.

We want people to be able to see:

• The Boathouse and the repairs and preservation work that are needed.
• The Metlakatla Museum and the needs and opportunities there.
• The William Duncan Memorial Church, including the major restoration needs facing this historic building.
• The cemetery, along with ideas for preservation, restoration, and honoring those who came before us.
• Historic photographs, stories, and information that help tell the story of Metlakatla.

I believe that when people can see the need, they can better understand why this work matters.

An Exciting Time Ahead

The Metlakatla Heritage Foundation is still in its early stages, and there is a lot of work ahead.

But I have to say, it is going to be an exciting time.

There are so many possibilities.

Imagine seeing an old building that has been sitting quietly for years begin to come back to life.

Imagine our young people participating in preservation projects and learning the stories behind the places they see every day.

Imagine community members coming together for fundraising events.

Imagine partnerships bringing resources and expertise into Metlakatla.

Imagine our historic photographs, documents, stories, and oral histories being preserved for future generations.

That is the vision.

This isn’t simply about repairing old buildings.

It is about preserving the places that hold our memories.

It is about honoring the people who came before us.

It is about protecting our history so that our children and grandchildren can know where they came from.

And most importantly, this belongs to all of us.

As we continue building the Foundation, I will keep sharing updates and letting you know how you can become involved.

There will be opportunities to volunteer.

There will be opportunities to donate.

There will be opportunities to partner.

And there will be opportunities simply to share your ideas and your stories.

This is our history.
This is our community.
And together, we can help preserve it for generations to come.

— Alex Atkinson Jr.
Metlakatla Heritage Foundation