More than 20 years ago, Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian Elders met for a historic gathering to talk about traditional tribal values.
As we look back on their legacy, Tlingit & Haida staff today talk about how they uphold those tribal values in their everyday life, showing respect, holding each other up and passing on their knowledge to the next generation.
March 1-3, 2004, a group of respected Elders from across Southeast Alaska met at the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) Hall in Juneau, Alaska to discuss the Southeast Traditional Tribal Values.
The gathering focused on defining values in the traditional Tlingit and Haida fashion, revisiting Dr. Walter Soboleff’s version of Tlingit and Haida values, and identifying where to find stories that illustrate our values. During the forum Elders developed, adapted and approved the Southeast Traditional Tribal Values “Our Way of Life” consisting of 14 guidelines. These guidelines outline how Tlingit and Haida people should conduct themselves in their daily lives for the health and cultural richness of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian communities. Under Tlingit & Haida’s Circles of Care Project and in partnership with the Johnson O’Malley Program, Alaska Rural Systemic Initiative and the Association of Alaska School Boards, a tribal values poster was created which was unveiled at the 69th Annual General Assembly’s Welcome Banquet on April 14, 2004. The posters were distributed widely throughout Southeast Alaska communities and in schools.
During the 2004 Elders Forum, Francine Eddy Jones, Tribal Family & Youth Services Director, spoke to the Elders. “What would that model look like when we go out to our communities and say, ‘We want to wrap around you, we want to be here to be in a supportive role. What is that foundational values that we want in developing our programs?'” She continued, “So the importance of this gathering is to hear from you as our respected elders. To help us learn from your wisdom.”
As the Elders participated in the three-day discussion on what should make the list, Ethel Lund emphasized that, “It seems like the cornerstone for Values has always been respect. And from that, everything else falls into place. We should start off with respect, for self and others and for all creation.”
The final product was a list of 14 traditional tribal values. It is the hope of these elders and the hope of Tlingit & Haida, that this list becomes a legacy for the children of the region, the state, and the nation for years to come.
