Investing in education strengthens communities. Tlingit & Haida continues to expand access to early learning and childcare, ensuring families have the support they need to thrive today while building a strong, culturally rooted future for the next generation.

“We have an opportunity at Head Start to really give them that head start and help them learn how to read and write and have those core skills for them to be successful later on in life,” said Klawock Lead Teacher Taa’lyei Abby Twyman.

Right now, Tlingit & Haida’s Head Start Programs in Klawock and Craig operate out of small, single classroom buildings on Prince of Wales Island. Space is tight and that limits the number of kids in each program.

Construction is underway for two new education campuses that will be completed in the summer of 2026.

“It says a lot of for the Tribe that we’re not just renting space, we’re creating space,” said Xaad Kil Immersion Manager K’uyáang Ben Young. “For the City of Klawock, for Craig Tribal Association and Tlingit & Haida to all come together, we’re going to see really soon what’s able to happen when those partnerships are made and we’re not just given lip service but actual commitments. We’re going to have two beautiful buildings.”

Tlingit & Haida’s mission for early education is to bring programs under one roof to create wrap around services for families.

That’s what the Tribe is doing in Juneau at the old Floyd Dryden Middle School that will house Head Start, Early Head Start, the Lingít immersion preschool and childcare.

On Prince of Wales Island, each campus has space for two head start classrooms as well as two rooms for childcare for infants and toddlers.

“We’re creating one educational facility that is bringing multiple programs together so we can braid them and work them so they provide the best resources, best support for our families,” said Early Education Senior Director Ethan Petticrew.

The long-term plan is to offer both Xaad kil and Lingit language lessons.

“We’re trying to create a system that prepares our children for school because it’s tremendously vital but also firmly plants them in who they are in their culture and the pride that exists in there. To be able to tap into our traditional values to support their lives and guide them through life. So that’s what we want to start with them at that early age,” Ethan said.

The new campuses will also create more job opportunities with the additional Head Start and childcare classrooms.

The project reflects Tlingit & Haida’s goal of working with community partners to foster education, wellness and community connection.

The Prince of Wales campuses will bring culturally-rooted learning to children in Craig and Klawock to set them on a path to success.

Learn more about Head Start or apply today here.