The steady drumbeat and voices singing in unison, mixed with formline artwork regalia are unmistakable as Tlingit storytellers and dancers share their Native culture while curious visitors look on. It’s a way to share the past and keep tribal traditions alive.
But it needs help.
The Wrangell Cooperative Association, which manages tribal affairs on the island, is looking for people to participate in its dancing and storytelling during the tourism season, which runs from about April to September, depending on the cruise ship schedule.
“This is open to all (tribal citizens or not), and we’d be willing to train those who needed some assistance,” said Esther Reese, the WCA tribal administrator. “For storytelling, it’s ideal to have two people minimum. For dancing, it’s beneficial to have five or six people minimum.”
Storytellers and dancers would share the Tlingit culture in performances at Shakes Island throughout the tourism season; the days and times would depend on when cruise ships are in town. Reese said it’s a little harder to get people who otherwise want to participate but have to work full-time.
“I think in some ways it’s a matter of logistics,” she said. “If it’s through the day, younger people are working. If they’re retired, it’s a little easier for them to come and do this.”
No shows were held during the 2020 season due to the pandemic, then resumed on a limited basis in 2021, Reese said. Things returned to normal for 2022 and are on track for more of the same in 2023 except for the lack of participants.
“We have a couple of people interested from last year, we’re just trying to build a bigger base of people to come participate,” Reese said.
People interested in joining can call the WCA office for more information at 907-874-4304.
“I think it would be a good opportunity for tribal and non-tribal citizens to learn about the culture and increase involvement with the tribe,” Reese said.
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