Page 71 - Breath of the Bear

Wrangell is a small town that encompasses (CCC) took on the project to restore and held called hit wóoshdei yadukicht or “dancing
quintessential Alaska. From bears to pristine preserve totem poles and traditional Alaska the joints of the house together.” Dances were
rivers to cultural heritage sites to glaciers, there Native architecture. The site selected for this performed, traditional clan stories were told,
is something for everyone here. While the U.S. New Deal Work Relief project was Shakes Chief Shakes VII was officially recognized and
Forest Service only gives out approximately 60 Island, outside of Wrangell. This was the area the Tlingit people were respected and their
bear viewing permits a day for Anan Wildlife where the main clan house of the Naanya.aayi, culture honored.
Observatory, there are plenty of other unique who were the leadership clan of the Tlingit,
tours in and outside the city of Wrangell that once proudly stood. Elders of the Tlingit clan The Tribal House underwent a second
are just as memorable. remembered how the traditional houses were restoration in 2011 that included taking the
constructed and for several years, the CCC depression-era building apart piece by
Cultural Sites worked together with native clansmen and the piece; then an improved structure was built
Chief Shakes Tribal House Wrangell community to build the Tribal House with cedar boards, copper trim and new and
In 1937, during the height of the Great in the spiritual heartland of the Tlingit. At the original artwork. Today, the Chief Shakes
Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps completion of the project a special feast was Tribal House still stands as a testimony to the
enduring legacy of the Tlinglit people. It’s
walls reverberate with stories passed down
from generation to generation and the sound
of singing and drums still echo throughout its
massive cedar beams.
The Tribal house is open intermittently,
however the grounds of Shakes Island are
always accessible for visitors to walk around.
Totem poles that are in the process of being
restored can be found laying down behind
the Tribal house. One day they too will stand
upright as sentinels for this spiritual Tlingit
heartland.

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

Experience
Anan Wildlife
Observatory,

one of the best
Alaska wildlife
photography

destinations. TYLER STEVENS

travelwrangell.com

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