Tag: environment

A Year of Hope in Metlakatla

A Year of Hope in Metlakatla United in Resilience: Our Community’s Journey Through Crisis and Recovery

Metlakatla, a small and tight-knit community in Alaska, has always been a place where people rely on each other. Despite the challenges that life brings, there’s a shared belief here—hope. This hope seems to shine brightest during times of crisis. The world has witnessed it many times, such as when wildfires tore through California, driven by the fierce Santa Ana winds. Communities pulled together, strangers became friends, and amidst the ashes, hope blossomed.

Similarly, when devastating rains and floods struck North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida, hope was there. People helped each other rebuild, showing that no matter the scale of the disaster, the human spirit can rise above it. This same spirit thrives in Metlakatla, where the bonds of community run deep.

One winter, a beloved local fisherman faced a crisis. His Fishing Vessel, essential for his livelihood, was severely damaged in a storm. The news spread quickly through the town. Without hesitation, the community mobilized. Friends, neighbors, and even those who only knew him in passing came together to help. They donated time, money, and materials, working tirelessly to repair the boat. In this collective effort, they found more than just the means to fix the vessel—they found strength in unity and a reaffirmation of their shared values.

This sense of community is evident in the rebuilding of the William Duncan Memorial Church (WDMC). The big church, a cornerstone of Metlakatla, faced significant damage, but the will to restore it was unwavering. Every brick laid and every beam raised was a testament to the community’s resilience. As the structure began to take shape again, so did the hope in everyone’s hearts.

Yes, 2025 is set to be a year of coming together—a time to focus on what is good. The people of Metlakatla have shown that no tragedy is too great to overcome when faced together. This year, they’ll continue to find the good in each other and in their shared experiences, making it a year to remember.

As the new year dawns, Metlakatla stands as a beacon of hope and unity. The stories of rebuilding, helping hands, and unyielding support serve as reminders that when a community pulls together, anything is possible. Here’s to 2025—a year of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of community.

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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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The Cape Ommaney – Boat Trip

So, on May 22, 2024, many of my Cousins and friends got to travel on this boat from our Home town of Metlakatla, Alaska to a place called Cape Chacon, to harvest Black Seaweed.

this was my first year, going out on the grounds to harvest Black Seaweed. Over the years, I remember when my grandparents and my aunt, uncles and my parents would all go out, sometimes for a couple of days, to harvest black seaweed, and they would also come home with Seagull eggs, as well. I mean, that was pretty cool. Then, we would lay it all out, on sheets, on the roof of the house, and also, on sheets, on plywood, in the yard. So amazing, and so awesome. That was such a memorable experience for me.

The Seaweed, we let dry in the sun, as shown in the photo above.

530am, as we approach the harvesting grounds. THIS is the point of Cape Chacon. Beyond that, is the wide open, Pacific Ocean. So beautiful.

0430 am, the Sun is coming up as we approach the harvesting grounds of Cape Chacon. This is one of the Skifs that will be used to shuttle us from the Big boat, to the shore and rocks we will be harvesting the Seaweed from. So poetic looking.

Wow! There was so much to harvest. The Black Seaweed was in abundance, thank you God!

The photos above show the grounds and my cousins, my sissy and I harvesting the Black Seaweed. So much fun, and so memorable. Loved every second of this experience.

After 1200 pm, making out way back to the town of Metlakatla, heading home, after a bountiful pick of Seaweed. Over 40 bags of seaweed was harvested, and it was such a blessing and such an honor. To know and realize that many of my family and ancestors before us, harvested the same grounds, it brought such pride and joy to my heart, and brought tears to my eyes to think that very thought. I look forward to another adventure like that.

Note: some of the photos on this post are courtesy of: Melody Leask and Johann Echohawk Atkinson.

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