The Haida Nation and the Tlingit Nation
July | 2016
July 23, 2016 — The Haida Nation and the Tlingit Nation are two separate and distinct tribes in Juneau. While the two proudly proclaim their individualism in order to protect their distinct cultures, the border which once divided them is now faded.One way in which the tribes retain their cultures is through their native art, which depicts their history and stories in the forms of totem poles, jewelry and sculpture and through local legends.
July 23, 2016 — A sign outside the Tripps Mt. Juneau Trading Post, located in the center of town, proclaims that the store is “Southeast Alaska’s Oldest Trading Post.” Another sign inside says the following:
The Haida legend of "The Raven and the First People" expresses how Raven
discovered mankind and is responsible for the present
order of our universe. Likewise, the Tlingit legend
of "Raven and the Creation Story" t
ells us how the Raven created the world.”
This explains the wide-eyed images of Raven figures that surround me as I walk through the store, and later, as I travel around other parts Alaska.
