By Amanda J. Mosher, UAS Intern
Title: Charles W. Smythe Recordings Collection, 1971-2005
ID: MC/042
Primary Creator: Smythe, Charles W.
Other Creators: Keki, Jim (1867-1928), Tlingit Indians.
Extent: 3.0 Boxes
Subjects: Tlingit Indians--History.
This three-box collection consists of recordings, transcriptions, and research materials dating from 1971 through 2005 generated and/or collected by anthropologist Charles W. Smythe relative to his work with the Tlingit Indians of Southeast Alaska and the Sealaska Heritage Institute. While some materials in this collection were made by Smythe, such some of the recordings regarding Swanson Harbor Jim’s repatriation, others were collected and/or transcribed by Smythe for his research.
The materials in the collection primarily consist of recordings and/or transcriptions of events, meetings, or interviews documenting a variety of topics concerning the Tlingit Indians, including Tlingit participation in the Civilian Conservation Corps and construction of Southeast Alaska’s totem parks during the 1930s, the Battle of Sitka in 1802 and 1804 between Russians and the Tlingit, the selling of Klukwan clan artifacts relative to the Whale House Trial, Tlingit property law, and recordings concerning the repatriation of Swanson Harbor Jim’s (1867-1928) remains.
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 Method: The materials in this collection were donated by Charles W. Smythe on February 9, 2012. Some materials in this collection were generated by Smythe per his contracted for hire work through Sealaska Heritage Institute.
Item 1: Audiovisual recording labeled; “National Museum of Natural History: Swanson Harbor Jim Repatriation and Swanson Harbor Ceremony,” 1999, recorded by Charles Smythe. This video is a recording detailing both the signing of documents (April 1999) and the repatriation ceremony for Swanton Harbor Jim (September 1999). This video contains footage of Adeline Jim, Pauline Johnson, Cheryl Eldemar, Richard Dalton, Karen Mudar, and Tom Killion.
Item 2: Audiovisual recording labeled; “Swanson Harbor, T’akdeintaan Project, tape 9 of 9,” A VHS recording of Richard Dalton speaking in Tlingit about the repatriation of Swanson Harbor Jim. (June 2000).
Item 3: Audio recording on cassette of Richard Dalton speaking in Tlingit about the repatriation of Swanson Harbor Jim, labeled “Swanson Harbor T’akdeintaan Project, Tape 9 of 9.” (June 2000). Two copies.
Item 4: Copy of; James MacPherson, “Swanson Harbor Jim’s Remains Return Home,” Juneau Empire (April 19, 1999).
