The History of Metlakatla, Alaska — A Thumbnail Sketch

 

“How the Tsimshian People Built a Home, Preserved a Culture, and Protected Their Land”

Tucked away on the rugged shores of Annette Island lies a community with a history unlike any other in Alaska — Metlakatla, home to the Tsimshian people and the only federal Indian reservation in the state. Its story is one of migration, determination, and the ongoing preservation of a rich cultural heritage.

Origins: A Journey for Autonomy

The roots of Metlakatla trace back to 1887, when a group of Tsimshian people, led by English missionary William Duncan, left their original settlement of Old Metlakatla in British Columbia, Canada. Seeking greater autonomy and the freedom to practice their cultural and religious traditions without interference, they journeyed north, eventually establishing a new home on Annette Island, just off the coast of Southeast Alaska.

The new settlement was fittingly called New Metlakatla, a name later shortened to simply Metlakatla, meaning "saltwater passage" in the Tsimshian language.

A Unique Reservation in Alaska

In 1891, the U.S. Congress formally recognized the settlement by establishing the Metlakatla Indian Community, Annette Islands Reserve, the only federally recognized Indian reservation in all of Alaska. This special status set Metlakatla apart, allowing the community to maintain control over their land and waters.

Decades later, when the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971 reorganized Native land ownership across the state into corporations, Metlakatla made a bold choice — they opted out. By doing so, they preserved their reservation and retained exclusive rights to the surrounding land and marine resources.

Culture, Tradition, and Pride

Today, Metlakatla remains a vibrant center of Tsimshian culture in the United States. The community works actively to preserve their ancestral language, Sm'algyax, and traditional arts, from intricate weaving to world-renowned totem pole carving.

One of the most significant community celebrations is Founder's Day, held annually on August 7th, marking the arrival of the Tsimshian pioneers to Annette Island. The day is filled with songs, dances, speeches, and a deep sense of pride in the community's resilience.

Traditional potlatches, ceremonial gatherings filled with feasting, dancing, singing, and the giving of gifts, continue to be held, keeping age-old customs alive. Master carvers, such as David Boxley, are internationally recognized for their work in preserving Tsimshian art and storytelling through their totem poles and other cultural creations.

In Essence

The history of Metlakatla is a testament to the Tsimshian people's determination to protect their cultural identity, language, and sovereignty. Their intentional migration and the unique status of Annette Island as Alaska's only reservation symbolize both their struggles and their enduring strength.

For those who visit or call Southeast Alaska home, Metlakatla stands as a proud reminder that the story of Alaska is as much about its Native peoples and their rich traditions as it is about its rugged landscapes.