By Alyssa Peterson, UAS Intern, and Zach Jones, Archivist
Title: Tlingit Oral Histories, Oratory, & Events Recordings Collection, 1910-2006
ID: MC/022
Primary Creator: Tlingit Indians.
Extent: 12.0 Boxes
Subjects: Tlingit Indians--History., Tlingit language.
This collection contains recordings dating from circa 1910 to 2007, and primarily consisting of oral history recordings, Tlingit oratory, and recordings of Tlingit events, such as cultural gatherings. These recordings have been obtained by SHI from various donors, and the collection will continue to grow as more recordings are obtained.
The vast bulk of the recordings in this collection are audio only, with a few audiovisual. Many of the recordings are entirely in the Tlingit language, and most with no English translations. The various speakers on these recordings provide information on many topics, including life histories and family genealogies; clan and crest histories; Tlingit political and social systems and customs; gathering and harvesting practices; art forms such as basketry, carving, weaving; legends and stories; songs; and the Tlingit language. Many Tlingit clans are represented in this collection. Overall, this collection provides a wealth of information on various subjects relative to Tlingit culture, oratory, history, and language.
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
Acquisition Method: Items 1-95 in the collection were transferred from SHI’s Culture Department on 9/15/2010 to SHI; Item 94 was donated by Clarence Jackson to on 3/27/2008; Items 96-97 were transferred from SHI’s Media & Publications Department on 11/30/2011; Items 98-101 were obtained by SHI prior to Oct. 2007; Items 102-03 were donated by Lawrence J. Jackson to SHI on 7/14/2003 (Acc.#2003.002); Items 104-05 were deposited with permission of the Indian University Archives of Traditional Music (Acc. # 2011.040); Item 106 was obtained by SHI prior to Oct. 2007; Item 107 was donated to SHI by Donald Gregory on 1/6/2012; Items 108-111 were obtained by SHI prior to Oct. 2007; Item 112 was generated by SHI and a copy was placed in SHI’s archival collection on 1/20/2012; Item 113 was donated by Byron Mallott 12/11/2011 (Acc. #2011.041); items 114-119 were obtained by SHI prior to Oct. 2007; Items 120-122 were obtained by SHI prior to Oct. 2007; Item 124 was donated to SHI by Ishmael Hope on April 11, 2012; Items 125-139 were received by SHI prior to Oct. 2007; Items 140-141 were generated by SHI and transferred to archives on July 12, 2012; Items 142-43 were copied from originals in the Rosita Worl collection and added to this collection on August 27, 2012; Items 144-183 were obtained prior to Oct. 2007; Item 184 was donated by Roy Peratrovich Jr. in 2008; Items 185-189 were obtained prior to Oct. 2007; Items 193-198 were donated by the Sealaska Corporation on 2/19/2013; Item 199 was generated by SHI and placed in archives on 2/21/2013; Item 200 was donated by Rosita Worl on 5/15/2013; Item 201 was received prior to Oct. 2007; Item 202 was donated by Tim Lindoff on 5/22/2013; Item 203 was received prior to Oct. 2007; Item 204 was donated by the Sealaska Corporation on 10/15/2013; Item 205 was donated by Jackie Kookesh on 12/29/13; Item 207 was donated by Paul Marks on 4/9/14; Item 208 was generated by SHI and donated to SHI by Sorrel Goodwin on 1/10/2011; Item 209 was generated by SHI in 2000 and 2002;
Item 108: Audio recording of Louise Williams speaking about Gaanaxteidí houses in Klukwan, including the Valley, Raven, and Whale Houses, recorded 12/15/1992. Speaking primarily all in Tlingit. This recording may have been generated in connection with the Whale House Trial (Chilkat Indian Village, IRA, v. Johnson). Format: original cassette and CD.
Item 109: Audio recording of Robert Zuboff speaking on “Angoon History,” undated. Details the story of Basket Bay and other areas. The Basket Bay story on this recording was published in the Dauenhauer & Dauenhauer publication. Speaking in Tlingit. Format; copy on CD and cassette.
Item 110: Audio recording of Mary Thlunaut speaking in English and Tlingit on Shangukeidí names, undated. Format; copy on CD and cassette.
Item 111: Audio recording with label reading “Kooshdakaa stories,” by Marie Ackerman/Joseph, undated. Speaking primarily in English. Format; copy on CD and cassette.
Item 112: Audio visual recording labeled “Clarence Jackson interviewing Dr. Walter Soboleff and Cyril George on regalia, including clan hats,” dated 9-24-2009. Format; DVD.
Item 113: Audio recording of Frank Italio and Minnie Johnson, recorded at Yakutat in 1952 by Frederica de Laguna. Recording contains Frank Italio telling the Story of Raven and the Tide. Audio quality is good. 47 minutes in length. Format; two CD copies and open reel. [Original reel in Oversized Box 2.]
Item 114: Audio recording of an interview of Annie Lee Hotch at Klukwan or Haines, interviewed by Ed Warren and an unidentified man, 12/9/1992. Much of the recording is in the Tlingit language, with some English dialog and translation, and contains Hotch speaking about her biological family genealogy, her clan, clan house (Brown Bear House), and Tlingit culture. This recording may have been generated in connection with the Whale House Trial (Chilkat Indian Village, IRA, v. Johnson). Format; CD and two cassettes.
Item 115: Audio recordings of interviews with Bill Brady and Albert Davis, interviewed by Rosita Worl at Sitka, 4/7/1994. Recordings contain English language discussion with Bill Brady (Kiks.ádi Clan) on Tlingit culture, including a discussion focusing on the topic of how some Tlingit have engaged in Raven/Raven marriages (and Eagle/Eagle). The Davis interview is primarily in the Tlingit language and contains information on Tlingit culture and history. Mention is made of Russia battles with the Tlingit in 1802 and 1804. Format; two CDs and two cassettes. [cassettes in case inside Oversized Box 2]
Item 116: Audio recording label on reads; “Hoonah party in memory of the late Jimmie Marks, held in Hoonah, Alaska, Oct. 1968.” Label on one reel reads “Haines, May ’68 – 750, Marks Trail, Indian Songs.” A review of the recording determined that these recordings appear to contain a clan, dance group (Marks Trail?), or group of individuals (Raven or Eagles) practicing songs in preparation for the memorial party for Marks. The group does not self-identify for the recording. A detailed list of the songs—all sung in Tlingit—can be provided; notes in file; contact the archivist. Format; two CDs (side A and B) and the original two open reels. [The second reel may need to be migrated, as only one reel appears to have been migrated.] [Original reels in Oversized Box 2.]
Item 117: Audio recording of David Katzeek, Shangukeidí, undated, but circa 2000. Explains memorial practices and protocol, Songs are sung at koo.éex’ for loved one, or Thunderbird clan leader/member. First song: Boat Song, memorial song. Second song: Sun Children Song. Composed before flood, sang as children were being lowered from the sun. In conjunction to clan house; House Lowered from the Sun. 11 minutes in length. Format; CD and original cassette.
Item 118: Audio recordings labeled “Katherine Mills and John Marks,” but is a recording of the Hoonah koo.éex for the late Jimmy Marks. Includes songs, oratory, speaking, and receiving money (calling out amount and names in memoriam). Speaking in Tlingit. 70 minutes in length. Format; 1 CD and two cassettes. [cassettes in case inside Oversized Box 2]
Item 119: Audio recordings labeled “Tlingit songs” and “Indian songs,” undated, location unknown. One recording contains songs, followed by a biological lecture, the second contains traditional stories associated with what appears to be the Chookaneidi and Lukaax.ádi Clans. Format; two CDs and two cassettes.
Item 120: Audio recording labeled “George Dalton potlatch,” undated, location unknown, but most likely at Hoonah. One identified speaker is Jessie Dalton, former Naa Tláa of the T’akdeintaan Clan of Hoonah. Speaking, singing, and oratory all in Tlingit. 60 minutes in length. Format; CD and original cassette.
Item 121: Audio recording of informal conversation with Jim Austin Jr. at the Kooteeya Bar in Hoonah, recorded by an unidentified Tlingit or Haida woman, dated 7/26/1989. Content includes conversation about Hoonah place names and Hoonah history. Speaking primarily in English. Format; CD and original cassette.
Item 122: Audiovisual recording entitled A Monument, produced by the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indians of Alaska, 1971. 32 minutes in length. Description: black and white audiovisual recording documenting the raising of the World’s Tallest Totem Pole in 1971 located at Kake, Alaska. Formats; DVD and open reel. [Migrated from reel to DVD in 2010]
