A New Chapter Begins: Introducing the Metlakatla Heritage Foundation

Preserving Our Past. Inspiring Our Future.

There are moments in life when an idea begins as nothing more than a quiet conversation, a hope shared among friends, or a dream that simply refuses to go away.

Today, I’m excited to begin sharing one of those dreams.

For the past several years, I’ve spent countless hours researching the history of Metlakatla, collecting photographs, reading old documents, speaking with community members, and learning more about the remarkable people who helped build this community. Along the way, one thing has become abundantly clear:

If we don’t preserve our history today, we risk losing it forever.

That realization has inspired the creation of a new nonprofit organization currently in development…

The Metlakatla Heritage Foundation

Our vision is simple.

To create a community preservation organization dedicated to protecting the historic places, stories, and traditions that make Metlakatla unlike anywhere else in Alaska.

This isn’t simply about restoring old buildings.

It’s about preserving the heart and soul of our community.

It’s about honoring those who came before us while creating something meaningful for those who will come after us.

Our guiding philosophy is one that has become increasingly important to me:

Rediscovering the quiet power of kindness, gratitude, and everyday respect.

Those simple values have always been woven into the fabric of great communities, and we hope they will continue guiding ours for generations to come.

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Looking Toward the Future

Although we’re still in the early planning stages, there is already tremendous excitement surrounding what this organization could accomplish.

Some of the first projects under consideration include:

• Restoring our historic 100+ year-old church
• Preserving the historic manse
• Supporting and strengthening our community museum
• Digitizing historic photographs, newspapers, and important documents
• Recording oral histories from our Elders before these invaluable stories are lost
• Installing historical markers throughout Metlakatla
• Developing educational programs for local youth
• Creating heritage walking tours for residents and visitors
• Organizing volunteer restoration and community work days
• Writing grants and raising funds to preserve our historic landmarks

Each of these projects tells a different part of Metlakatla’s story.

Together, they tell the story of an entire community.

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More Than Preservation

The Metlakatla Heritage Foundation is about more than restoring buildings.

It is about creating opportunities.

It is about education.

It is about bringing people together.

It is about celebrating our Tsimshian heritage while preserving the history of everyone who has contributed to this remarkable community.

Imagine a future where children can walk through beautifully restored historic buildings, hear stories from their Elders, explore museum exhibits filled with local history, and understand the sacrifices and vision that built Metlakatla.

That future is worth working toward.

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We Can’t Do It Alone

Projects like these require an entire community.

In the months ahead, we’ll be looking for volunteers, historians, photographers, grant writers, carpenters, artists, storytellers, and anyone who simply loves Metlakatla and wants to help preserve its history.

Whether you have a few hours to volunteer or simply want to follow along as this journey unfolds, your encouragement means more than you know.

This is just the beginning.

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Stay Tuned…

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more about the vision behind the Metlakatla Heritage Foundation, introducing some of the historic buildings we’ll be working to preserve, and providing updates as the nonprofit continues to take shape.

I’m incredibly hopeful about what lies ahead.

Together, we have an opportunity to protect the places that tell our story—and to leave something lasting for future generations.

As always, thank you for walking this journey with me.

— Alex Atkinson Jr.

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Final Thought

“A community without its history is like a family without its memories. By preserving the places that shaped us, we honor those who came before us and inspire those who will follow.”

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Follow Notes from Alex for updates on the development of the Metlakatla Heritage Foundation and discover how you can become part of preserving our shared history.

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Contact & Get Involved

The Metlakatla Heritage Foundation is currently in development, and we invite community members, Elders, volunteers, historians, local businesses, and supporters to join us as we work to preserve the places and stories that define our community.

If you’d like to learn more, volunteer, donate professional expertise, or simply follow our progress, we’d love to hear from you.

Alex Atkinson, Jr.
Founder (In Development)
Metlakatla Heritage Foundation

📞 Direct: (907) 397-7111
📧 Email: alex@alexatkinsonjr.blog

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 653
Metlakatla, AK 99926

“Together, we can preserve the places that tell our story and ensure they remain for generations yet to come.”