Tlingit culture

The only town on Admiralty Island is a center of Tlingit Indian culture and tradition. The elders of Angoon were leaders in calling for the protection of Admiralty when it was proposed to be logged in the 1960’s and 70’s. Their eloquent and strong voices were a major influence in most of the island being protected as a National Monument and Wilderness.

Today the village unemployment rate is over 50%. Residents are faced with economic hardships compounded by high fuel and electric prices, diminishing state and federal revenue sharing funds and the shrinking commercial salmon market.

The village is trying to balance the need for economic development and maintaining their traditional subsistence way of life. There is also the issue of loss of local control over decisions that impact the village and the island.

The Tlingit Indian village of Angoon is located in one of the most scenic and prolific food gathering spots on earth. It is a traditional Deisheetaan or Raven Beaver village.

Angoon, with a population of some 450, is located at the mouth of Mitchell Bay. Within the bay ancient fish trap stakes, over 3,000 years old have been discovered. It is no wonder that this place of abundance has been the home of the Tlingit people for thousands of years. And, it is no wonder that the Tlingit have been fierce defenders of their island.

“The Tlingits have inhabited Admiralty Island from time immemorial. Admiralty Island is as much a part of the Tlingit as his heart is the vital part of his being. The story of the Great Raven that created the universe; the Earth, the sun, the moon, the stars and man originated here, on this island. From that time to the present the Tlingits of Angoon have fought to protect this island.

One of our past chiefs said that if you are kind to your land, your land will be kind to you, if you are kind to the sea, the sea will be kind to you, if you are kind to the air, the air will be kind to you. He was speaking in terms of taking care of the place where we live, our natural resources.

The natural wealth of this island is so sacred to my people that they died to preserve it. Admiralty Island is not only a Monument, to us it is also a shrine, hallowed ground, for noble blood has bathed it. For those whose blood has been shed the island has become their final resting place and in turn they have become part of the island.”

Matthew J. Fred Sr. Admiralty Chief, Deisheetaan - Raven Beaver Clan
1924-1999