Tag: featured

“Founders Day in Metlakatla: A Celebration of Heritage and Home”

By Alexander Atkinson Jr.

Founders Day in Metlakatla: Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Present

Every August 7th, the heartbeat of our home—Metlakatla—beats a little louder, a little stronger. Founders Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a living story. A powerful reminder of who we are, where we came from, and the enduring spirit that carries us forward.

In 1887, nearly 800 Tsimshian people made an extraordinary journey. Guided by missionary William Duncan, they left Old Metlakatla in British Columbia, crossing treacherous waters to settle on Annette Island, Alaska. They sought a new beginning—one shaped by faith, self-governance, and unity. That bold migration gave birth to New Metlakatla, and with it, the only federally recognized Native reservation in Alaska.

A Day of Meaning and Memory

Founders Day isn’t just for remembering—it’s for reconnecting. Families come home. Friends reunite. The streets fill with laughter, stories, and the smell of fry bread and smoked salmon. There’s a certain kind of joy you can only feel when you’re surrounded by your people, your land, your culture.

We begin with a parade—a vibrant display of pride and creativity. Children wave from floats. Elders smile as they remember past celebrations. The rhythm of the drums and the beauty of regalia remind us that our traditions are not just preserved—they are thriving.

Field games follow: tug-of-war, races, relays. Booths line the streets with handmade crafts, traditional foods, and smiling faces. And when evening comes, the community gathers for a feast—a long table of abundance, laughter, and gratitude.

Reviving Our Roots

For many years, Tsimshian language, dances, and customs were silenced. But today, Founders Day stands as a vibrant testimony to our cultural revival. We are speaking the language of our ancestors again. We are dancing the dances passed down through generations. And we are doing it proudly, publicly, and together.

These expressions of culture are not just performance—they are acts of remembrance and resistance. They are our gift to the next generation.

More Than a Celebration—A Statement

Founders Day also reminds us of our unique place in Alaska and the nation. The Metlakatla Indian Community continues to govern itself with authority over its resources, maintaining a separate and sovereign identity. This autonomy—this legacy—is not just inherited; it is actively protected and lived.

As our community grows and visitors come to witness the beauty of our traditions, we open our arms in welcome—but we also stand firm in our identity. Tourism rises, but it is rooted in respect. People come to see our dances, our art, our land—but they also leave with a deeper understanding of our story.

A Day We Carry All Year

As we celebrate this year’s Founders Day, let’s remember: we are the descendants of resilience. We are the living continuation of that brave journey in 1887. This day belongs to all of us—past, present, and future.

So whether you’re standing in the parade, sharing a meal at the feast, or simply watching the sunset over Annette Bay, take a moment to honor what it means to be from Metlakatla.

Because on August 7th, and every day after, we are still here—strong, proud, and together.

“From the shorelines of Annette Island to the hearts of those who return—Founders Day reminds us: our roots run deep, and our spirit runs deeper.”

#MetlakatlaStrong #FoundersDay #NotesFromAlex #TsimshianPride

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From Tsimshian Shores to SEAL Teams: The Legend of Solomon Atkinson

Beneath the Northern Lights, His Journey Unfolded

Once upon a time, in the rugged coastal village of Metlakatla, Alaska, there lived a man named Solomon “Sol” Atkinson. Born in 1930, Sol was a Ts’msyen (Tsimshian) Native American, deeply connected to both his heritage and his community. His life would become a tapestry woven with bravery, service, and legend.

As a young boy, Sol learned resourcefulness from the land and the sea. The support of his tight-knit community shaped him, teaching him resilience and kindness. But it was his ancestors’ legacy that truly set him apart. Sol belonged to the Gitlaan clan of the Xpi’hanaḵ house in the Tsimshian nation, a lineage that followed the matriarchal line—a society rich in tradition and wisdom.

When Sol enlisted in the Navy in 1952, he etched his name into history. He became the first Alaska Native to join the underwater demolition teams, the predecessors to the renowned SEAL Teams. As the SEALs emerged in 1962, Sol’s commitment led him to become one of the inaugural Navy SEALs—a plank owner, a foundational member, of SEAL Team 112. His courage and dedication shone during conflicts in Korea and Vietnam, where he repeatedly risked his life for his comrades and country1.

But Sol’s legend extended beyond the battlefield. He championed his community, ensuring they had a pool that produced Alaska’s only certified scuba training program at the local high school1. His love for Metlakatla ran deep, and he embodied the spirit of service and resilience that defined both his Native American heritage and his Navy SEAL legacy.

And so, the tale of Solomon Atkinson echoed through the misty Alaskan forests—a story of honor, courage, and the unbreakable bonds that tie us to our roots. Legends are born from deeds, but Sol’s legend was etched not only in valor but also in the hearts of those who knew him. His legacy lives on, sailing across the seas as the USNS Solomon Atkinson, a tribute to an Alaska Native and Navy SEAL pioneer3.

Photo by Tyrone Scott Hudson

And as the waves whispered against the shores of Metlakatla, they carried with them the story of Sol—a man who walked between worlds, leaving footprints in the sand and ripples in the ocean, forever etched in time. 🌊🌟

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Heal Our Lands

Healing for Our Nations

Heal, oh ancient lands, Where whispers of ancestors linger, Where rivers remember stories untold, And the earth cradles both sorrow and strength.

Beneath the cedar’s embrace, we seek solace, As drumbeats echo across time, Resonating with the heartbeat of the land, Calling forth healing winds.

The eagle soars, wings outstretched, Carrying prayers to the Great Spirit, Seeking restoration for wounds unseen, For the scars etched into our collective memory.

The fire dances, casting shadows on the tipi, Gathering souls around its warmth, Weaving threads of resilience, Stitching together the fabric of our existence.

The children, oh, the children, Their laughter like medicine, Their eyes reflecting the promise of tomorrow, As they dance on sacred ground.

The elders, keepers of wisdom, Their voices like ancient cedar, Speak truths that echo through valleys, Guiding us toward reconciliation.

The drum, heartbeat of the land, Pounds in unison with our pulse, Calling forth healing songs, Uniting us in rhythm and purpose.

The land, scarred yet resilient, Bears witness to our journey, Its soil absorbing tears and prayers, Roots reaching deep, seeking renewal.

Heal, oh ancient lands, For the spirits of the past and future, For the generations yet unborn, For the weaving of our fractured tapestry.

Divine tears are being shed for you, Heal, oh nations, heal.

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