By Stephanie Brown, Assistant Archivist, Zach Jones, Archivist, and Alyssa Peterson, UAS Intern.
Title: Tlingit Elders Oral History & Clan Migrations Recordings Collection, 2005-2009
ID: MC/019
Primary Creator: Sealaska Heritage Institute
Extent: 5.0 Boxes
Date Acquired: 10/20/2010
Subjects: Tlingit Indians--History., Tlingit language.
This five-box collection contains recordings, transcriptions/translations of recordings, and research files generated by the Sealaska Heritage Institute’s (SHI) between 2005 and 2008 through its efforts to document the history of Tlingit clan migrations, activities funded in part by Sealaska Heritage Institute and National Park Service Historic Preservation Program grants.
The interviews for this grant were primarily conducted by Clarence Jackson Sr. in the Tlingit language on a variety of topics, including the preparation of traditional foods, traditional culture, regalia, meaning of clan and personal Tlingit names, but an emphasis was on the history of clans and clan migrations. Transcriptions, with an English translation, were created for some of these recordings. This content of this collection is rich on Tlingit culture, history, and language. The bulk of these recordings are in the Tlingit language, though the transcribed recordings also contain English language translations.
Box 1 in this collection contains the recordings of these interviews. Multiple copies exist of each recording on CD and DVD (for audio and audiovisual content), which have been listed in an item-by-item inventory. Box 2 in the collection contains transcriptions translations for interviews with some of the individuals interviewed for this project. Boxes 3-5 contain binders with working files on specific clans for their migratory history. Some transcriptions are available in these binders.
The Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) is a regional Native non-profit organization founded for the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people of Southeast Alaska. SHI was established in 1981 by Sealaska Corp., a for-profit company formed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). SHI, formerly Sealaska Heritage Foundation, administers Sealaska Corp.'s cultural and educational programs.
SHI was conceived by Clan Leaders, Traditional Scholars and Elders at the first Sealaska Elders Conference in 1980. During that meeting, the Elders likened Native culture to a blanket. The late George Davis (Kichnáalx—Lk’aanaaw) of Angoon, spoke these memorable words: “We don’t want what you did here to only echo in the air, how our grandfathers used to do things… Yes. You have unwrapped it for us. That is why we will open again this container of wisdom left in our care.” These wise traditional leaders told the new leaders that their hands were growing weary of holding onto the metaphorical blanket, this "container of wisdom." They said they were transferring this responsibility to the Corporation. In response to this directive, Sealaska Corporation created its non-profit arm, Sealaska Heritage Institute, to administer cultural and educational programs for the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian.
During its first decade of operation, under the leadership of David Katzeek, SHI began to administer its Scholarship Program from funds set aside by Sealaska Corporation for this purpose. The second major focus at that time was the documentation of oral traditions, a project led by Tlingit scholar Dr. Nora Marks Dauenhauer and her husband, Dr. Richard Dauenhauer. Over nearly a 20-year period, these efforts led to several major publications by the Institute of the Dauenhauer’s work, including: “Because We Cherish You…” Sealaska Elders Speak to the Future, in 1981; Haa Shuká, Our Ancestors, Volume I of our Tlingit Oral Narratives (1987); Haa Tuwunáagu Yís: for Healing our Spirit. Vol. 2, Tlingit Oral Narratives. (1990); the Third Edition of Beginning Tlingit in 1991; Haa Kusteeyí, Our Culture: Tlingit Life Stories (1994); and Aan Aduspelled X’úx’, Tlingit Spelling Book in 1999. A number of these publications were co-published by the Institute and University of Washington Press. During this period, the Institute also created Naa Kahídi Theater, which won national acclaim for its dramatic presentation of Native legends.
One year after SHI was founded the Institute sponsored the first United Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Traditional Celebration, held in Juneau. Celebration '82 was so popular that our Board of Trustees decided the festival should become a biennial event. New dance groups began to form in response to Celebration, and every other year, the festival grew. Today, nearly every community in Southeast as well as Anchorage, the Seattle area, Hawaii and Canada, are represented by roughly two-thousand dancers in nearly fifty dance groups. During Celebration, workshops on various aspects of traditional culture and history also occur. Because SHI is the only major region-wide organization dedicated to cultural preservation, its Board of Trustees has mandated that Celebration be dedicated solely to honoring our traditional culture.
More recently, while continuing to honor the Institute's mission statement, “To perpetuate the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures,” the Trustees in 1997 adopted language restoration as the foremost priority of the Institute. Few funds were available initially for this objective, but the Institute launched an aggressive fund-raising campaign, and today, SHI sponsors and supports numerous language and culture programs across Southeast Alaska. The Institute also sponsors archival projects, historical research, and new publications. Since SHI’s founding, it has had four presidents; David Katzeek (1980-1991), Dennis Demmert (1992-1996), Ted Wright (1996-1998), and Rosita Worl (1998-present).
Repository: Sealaska Heritage Institute Archives
Use Restrictions: Intellectual Properties Note: Since SHI adheres to the Protocols for Native American Archival Materials, and since we desire to honor Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian traditional cultural belief that clans retain the intellectual property rights to clan stories or songs, patrons who use or study clan songs or stories are asked to credit clan ownership to stories and songs.
Acquisition Source: Sealaska Heritage Institute, Media & Publications Department
Acquisition Method: The recordings in this collection were transferred to SHI archives by SHI Media & Publications Director Kathy Dye on October 20, 2010.
Item 1: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Peter Jack, dated 10/1/05. Format: CD, 2 copies; DVD, 2 copies. Tape 251-252. [Refer to Box 2, Fd. 1 for transcription]
Item 2: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Anna Katzeek, dated 11/09/2005. Format: CD, 1 copy; DVD, 2 copies. Tape 272. [Refer to Box 2, Fd. 2 for transcription]
Item 3: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing David and Anna Katzeek, dated 7/24/2007. Format: CD, 1 copy; DVD, 1 copy. Tape 411. [Refer to Box 2, Fd. 3 for transcription]
Item 4: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Tlingit elder Clara Peratrovich (Gooxhtlen = Great Slave) speaking about Tlingit names and family members, interview in Tlingit, dated 9/14/2007. Format: CD, 2 copies; DVD, 2 copies. Tape 1 of 3. Tape 456.
Item 5: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Clara Peratrovich, speaking about Tlingit names and family members, interview in Tlingit, dated 9/14/2007. Format: CD, 2 copies; DVD, 2 copies. Tape 2 of 3. Tape 457.
Item 6: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Clara Peratrovich, speaking about Tlingit names, interview in Tlingit, dated 9/14/2007. Format: CD 2 copies; DVD, 2 copies. Tape 3 of 3. Tape 458.
Item 7: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Clara Peratrovich speaking about the shame blanket, interview in Tlingit, 10/ 17/2007. Format: CD; DVD, 2 copies. Tape 1 of 4. Tape 461.
Item 8: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Clara Peratrovich, interview in Tlingit, dated 10/17/2007. Format: CD; DVD, 2 copies. Tape 2 of 4. Tape 462.
Item 9: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Clara Peratrovich speaking about the areas around Ketchikan and Juneau, interview in Tlingit, dated 10/17/2007. Format: CD; DVD, 2 copies. Tape 3 of 4. Tape 463.
Item 10: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Clara Peratrovich, dated 10/ 17/2007. Format: CD; DVD, 2 copies. Tape 4 of 4. Tape 464.
Item 11: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Clara Peratrovich, dated 10/18/2007. Format: CD; DVD, 2 copies. Tape 1 of 2. Tape 465.
Item 12: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Clara Peratrovich, dated 10/ 18/2007. Format: CD, two copies; DVD, two copies. Tape 2 of 2. Tape 466.
Item 13: Audiovisual recording of Sarah Dybdahl interviewing Clara Peratrovich on Prince of Wales Island, dated 10/19/2007. Interview in Tlingit. Format: CD, two copies; DVD, two copies. Tape 1 of 3. Tape 468.
Item 14: Audiovisual recording of Sarah Dybdahl interviewing Clara Peratrovich about what happens when a girl goes through puberty and finds a husband, and shamanism, dated 10/ 19/2007. Format: CD; DVD, 4 copies. Tape 2 of 3. Tape 469.
Item 15: Audiovisual recording of Sarah Dybdahl interviewing Clara Peratrovich about names, dated 10/19/2007. Format: CD, 6 copies; DVD, 5 copies. Tape 3 of 3. Tape 470. [Refer to Box 2, Fd. 5 for transcription]
Item 16: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Clara Peratrovich about clan names, dated 11/19/2007. Format: CD. Tape 1 of 2; DVD, two copies. Edit master on tape 655. Tape 473.
Item 17: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Clara Peratrovich about clan names, dated 11/19/2007. Format: CD; DVD, two copies. Tape 2 of 2. Edit master on tape 656. Tape 474.
Item 18: Audiovisual recording of Sarah Dybdahl interviewing Clara Peratrovich about clan names, Klawock, Alaska, dated. 11/20/2007. Part 1 of 1. Interview in English. Funded by a grant from the National Park Service. Format: CD; DVD, 2 copies. Tape 475.
Item 19: Audiovisual recording of Sarah Dybdahl interviewing Clara Peratrovich about Tlingit phrases. 02/05/ 2008. Format: CD, three copies; DVD, 2 copies. Tape 2 of 2. Tape 1 is #511. Tape 506.
Item 20: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Clara Peratrovich, dated 2/04/2008. Format: CD, 2 copies; DVD, 2 copies. Tape 1 of 2. Tape 2 is #506. Tape 511.
Item 21: Audiovisual recording of Clara Peratrovich being interviewed in Klawock, dated 4/09/2008. Format: CD, two copies; DVD, two copies. Tape 1 of 4. Tape 526.
Item 22: Audiovisual recording of Clara Peratrovich being interviewed in Klawock, dated 4/09/2008. Format: CD, two copies; DVD, two copies. Tape 2 of 4. Tape 527.
Item 23: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Clara Peratrovich at Klawock, dated 4/09/2008. Format: CD, two copies; DVD, two copies. Tape 3 of 4. Tape 528.
Item 24: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Clara Peratrovich at Klawock, dated 4/09/2008. Interview in Tlingit and English (most in Tlingit). Format: CD, two copies; DVD, 2 copies. Tape 4 of 4. Tape 529.
Item 25: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Clara Peratrovich about how to prepare Tlingit cheese and stink eggs, dated 9/25/ 2008. Format: CD, 4 copies; DVD, two copies. Tape 1 of 2. Tape 619.
Item 26: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Clara Peratrovich about how to prepare Tlingit cheese and stink eggs, dated 9/25/2008. Format: CD, 4 copies; DVD, 1 copy. Tape 2 of 2. Tape 620.
Item 27: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Clara Peratrovich about Tlingit names and Raven stories, dated 9/26/2008. Format: CD, 4 copies; DVD, 2 copies. Tape 1 of 2.Tape 621.
Item 28: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Clara Peratrovich about Tlingit names and Raven stories. 09/26/2008. Format: CD, 4 copies; DVD, 2 copies. Tape 622.
Item 29: Audiovisual recording of Clara Peratrovich speaking about Tlingit names and the woodworm story, dated 09/27/2008. Format: CD, 4 copies; DVD, 2 copies. Tape 1 of 2. Tape 623.
Item 30: Audiovisual recording of Clara Peratrovich talking about Tlingit names and the woodworm story, dated 9/27/2008. Format: CD, 4 copies; DVD, 2 copies. Tape 2 of 2. Tape 624.
Item 31: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Lydia George about clan migration, Juneau, 2007. Interview in Tlingit. Format: DVD, 3 copies. [Refer to Box 2, Fd. 6 for transcription]
Item 32: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Dr. Walter Soboleff about elder migration, dated 9/7/2005. Format: DVD, 2 copies.
Item 33: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Joe Hotch, dated 9/23/2005. Format: CD, 2 copies; DVD, 2 copies. [Refer to Box 2, Fd. 7 for transcription]
Item 34: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Jenny Lindoff, dated 11/9/2005. Format: CD, 2 copies; DVD, 1 copy. [Refer to Box 2, Fd. 8 for transcription]
Item 35: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Herman Kitka, dated 10/6/2005. Format: CD, 2 copies; DVD, 2 copies. [Refer to Box 2, Fd. 9 for transcription]
Item 36: Audio recording of Walter Soboleff speaking about clan migration, dated 9/27/2005. Format: CD, 1 copy.
Item 37: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson with Dr. Walter Soboleff, dated 9/20/2005. Format: DVD, 2 copies.
Item 38: Audiovisual recording of Clara Peratrovich speaking about Tlingit names, undated. Format: DVD, 1 copy.
Item 39: Audio recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Walter Soboleff about clan migration, dated 10/3/2005. Interview in Tlingit. Format: CD, 1 copy.
Item 40: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing David and Anna Katzeek, undated. Format: DVD, 2 copies.
Item 41: Audio recording of Dr. Walter Soboleff and Cyril George Sr. speaking about Clan regalia, dated 9/24/09. Format: CD, 2 copies. George is a clan leader of the Deisheetaan of Angoon, Kaakáak'w Hít.
Item 42: Audio recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Dr. Walter Soboleff, undated. Format: CD, 1 copy.
Item 43: Audio recording of Clarence Jackson and Steve Langdon interviewing Walter A. Soboleff about salmon and historic photographs near Killisnoo and Angoon, dated 7/15/2008. Speaking in Tlingit by Soboleff with Jackson translating into English. Format: CD, 1 copy. [Refer to Box 2, Fd. 10 for transcription]
Item 44: Audio recording of interview with Jennie Jim, dated 2005. Format: CD, 1 copy.
Item 45: Audiovisual recording of Clarence Jackson interviewing Walter A. Soboleff about Dog Salmon Clan Names, recording in Tlingit, dated 2/6/2009. Format; DVD, 1 copy.
Item 46: Audio recording of interview by Clarence Jackson of Alicia and Theodore Roberts, Format: CD, 1 copy, dated 9-14-2007.
Item 47: Recorded interview of Cyril George by Clarence Jackson, recording labeled “Conversations in Tlingit,” dated Sept. 5/7, 2006.
Typed transcription of an interview with Peter Jack (from the Shaanax Hít, or Valley House, of the Teikweidí clan) on 10/1/2005. Peter Jack provides information on Teikweidí clan names and the histories behind them. Translated into English by Fred White. Approximately 50 pages. [Refer to Box 1, Item 1 for original interview]
Typed transcription of Clarence Jackson (of the Tsaagweidí clan) interviewing Anna Katzeek (Goos’i from the Kawgliyáayi Hít, or House Lowered from the Sun, of the Shangukeidí clan) on 11/9/2005. Anna Katzeek tells histories and stories associated with the Shangukeidí clan, including how the Sun became Shangukeidí at.óow. Translated into English by David Katzeek. Approximately 50 pages, 2 copies. [Refer to Box 1, Item 2 for original interview]
Typed transcription of Clarence Jackson (of the Tsaagweidí clan) interviewing Anna Katzeek (Goos’i from the Kawgliyáayi Hít, or House Lowered from the Sun, of the Shangukeidí clan) and David Katzeek (Kingéisti of the Shangukeidí clan) on 7/24/2007. Anna Katzeek and David Katzeek provide information on various topics, including: place names; Shangukeidí clan names; and Shangukeidí at.óow, or clan property. Translated into English by Fred White. Approximately 50 pages, 2 copies. [Refer to Box 1, Item 3 for original interview]
Typed transcription of Clarence Jackson (of the Tsaagweidí clan) interviewing Anna Katzeek (Goos’i from the Kawgliyáayi Hít, or House Lowered from the Sun, of the Shangukeidí clan) and David Katzeek (Kingéisti of the Shangukeidí clan) on 7/26/2007. Anna Katzeek and David Katzeek provide information on Shangukeidí clan names and the histories and songs associated with them. Translated into English by David Katzeek. [Recording of original interview not in collection]
Typed transcription of an interview with Clara Peratrovich (of the Taakw.aaneidí clan) on 10/19/2007. Clara Peratrovich provides information on male and female Taakw.aaneidí clan names. Transcribed by Clara Peratrovich. Approximately 30 pages. [Refer to Box 1, Item 15 for original interview]
Typed transcription of Clarence Jackson (of the Tsaagweidí clan) interviewing Lydia George (Kudeisgé of the Deisheetaan clan) on 7/17/2007. Lydia George provides information on various topics, including: the Tlingit remains found on Prince of Whales Island; family history; clan names; place names; and memorial songs and ceremonies. Translated into English by Fred White. Approximately 50 pages, 2 copies. [Refer to Box 1, Item 31 for original interview]
Typed transcription of an interview with Joe Hotch (Goox Daakashú of the Kaagwaantaan clan) on 9/23/2005. Joe Hotch provides information on Kaagwaantaan clan names and the histories behind them. Translated into English by Fred White. Approximately 50 pages, 3 copies. [Refer to Box 1, Item 33 for original interview]
Typed transcription of an interview with Jennie Lindoff (Aan Shéix’ of the Chookaneidí clan) on 11/9/2005. Jennie Lindoff provides information on Chookaneidí clan names. Translated into English. Approximately 50 pages, 2 copies. [Refer to Box 1, Item 34 for original interview]
Typed transcription of Clarence Jackson (of the Tsaagweidí clan) interviewing Herman Kitka (Naawaláat.a of the Kaagwaantaan clan) on 10/6/2005. Herman Kitka provides information on naming ceremonies, Kaagwaantaan clan names, and clan history. Translated into English by Fred White. Approximately 75 pages, 2 copies. [Refer to Box 1, Item 35 for original interview]
Typed transcription of Clarence Jackson (of the Tsaagweidí clan) and Steve Langdon interviewing Dr. Walter Soboleff (Kaajaakwti of the L’eeneidí clan) on 7/15/2008. Dr. Walter Soboleff provides information on the concept of “ísh”, a place where salmon gathered. Translated into English by David Katzeek. Approximately 20 pages. [Refer to Box 1, Item 43 for original interview]
Typed transcription of Clarence Jackson (of the Tsaagweidí clan interviewing Dr. Walter Soboleff (Kaajaakwti of the L’eeneidí clan). Dr. Walter Soboleff provides information on Angoon history and L’eeneidí clan names. Translated into English. Approximately 50 pages, 2 copies. [Recording of original interview not in collection]
Papers listing the people interviewed for the Oral Histories Migration Stories project, the dates the interviews took place, and the people who transcribed and translated the interviews.
Audio/audiovisual recordings of interviews with Clara Peratrovich (of the Taakw.aaneidí clan). 10 discs. [Duplicates from Box 1, Items: 4-6, 10, 12, 14, 18-19]
