Documenting Tlingit Clan Songs Anthropologists, researchers, and Tlingit people have not focused on complete documentation of Tlingit clan songs. Existing documentation is not complete and needs considerable attention. Songs should be documented, to the fullest extent possible, using a set of guidelines to preserve the songs, to enhance existing documentation, to understand the history associated with the songs, to encourage language learning, to dispel controversy, to minimize the risk of loss, and made available to clan members to ensure their continued use for future generations.
Caretakers of songs have the responsibility to meet these requirements. Based on my research of existing documentation, observation of song and dance ceremonies, and personal experience to thoroughly understand Tlingit songs, I realize more work needs to be completed. In my effort to revive songs that were no longer in use, I created a documentation process – a set of recommendations I believe can be used by all Tlingit,Haida, and Tsimshian people.
