Moss, Mary BethYak’w dushi Red Clay House, Six’nax.adi, Xunaa Kwáan Director of Cultural Resources, Hoonah Indian Association
Maintaining Traditions in a Changing World: Data on Participation in Traditional Activities in Hoonah, Alaska With Lisa Andersson In 2008, the Hoonah Indian Association (HIA) surveyed more than 250 tribal members about their participation in traditional activities. Survey participants were asked for detailed information about their food gathering and preparation and traditional craft activities in recent years. We also gathered information on their knowledge of clan crests, stories, songs and dances; family lineage; and the Tlingit language. Our results indicated that participation in all traditional activities hasdeclined dramatically over the lifetime of most tribal members surveyed, and that many younger tribal members lack even basic knowledge of clan or tribal history and their own family lineage. The results of our survey will help HIA, Huna Heritage Foundation, other tribal entities, Hoonah schools, and the National Park Service prioritize efforts to maintain cultural traditions. The survey also helped identify those individual with the skills necessary to teach particular traditional skills and practices. Our survey form and database can be easily modified by other tribes wishing to collect similar data (electronic copies will be distributed on request).
