While visiting Metlakatla, be sure to take time to explore the Indian community on Annette Island. The island has a gas station and convenience store. From the bay, you can view the stunning view of Mt. Tamgas and the surrounding area.
Historic sites
Metlakatla is a community located on Annette Island, British Columbia. The Tsimshian people have been living there since 1887, when they were relocated from their original homeland in British Columbia. Since then, the island has been part of a federal reserve, and the Tsimshian retain exclusive use of the land.
The Metlakatla Indian Community is situated on Annette Island in the Inside Passage. It is the only settlement of the Tsimshian people in the United States, and the only Indian reservation in Alaska. Tourism and fishing are the mainstays of the community’s economy. The Metlakatla community is also home to a unique Tsimshian culture, which includes totem poles and traditional singing.
Near Metlakatla, there are several historic sites and structures that can be visited. One such structure is the Annette Island Army Air Field. This structure is on the National Register of Historic Places. Although scheduled for demolition as part of NALEMP, historians from the AERC will be documenting the building before demolition.
Visitors to Metlakatla can visit the longhouse, where they can learn about the Tsimshian language. There are also displays of their traditional crafts and art. There are also educational activities and hands-on experiences that will leave them feeling more knowledgeable about the Tsimshian culture. Visitors can even have a chance to visit the longhouse, which faces the boat harbor and features local Tsimshian dancers in traditional regalia.
Community art center
Located on a beautiful property in the center of the city, the Community art center features original artwork from world-class Metlakatla artists. Whether you’re interested in local history or Native art, this center offers a unique perspective on Metlakatla’s culture. There are also opportunities to visit the Longhouse, where hand-carved totem poles are displayed. The Longhouse also hosts Native ceremonies and dances. During the Founders Day Celebration, there’s a parade and field events with Native art and crafts. Visitors can also enjoy food, crafts, and wares for sale.
The community is very active in the schools and sports. The local children are heavily involved in basketball, and many community members attend games and other activities. The children also travel to other communities for sports events. Since Metlakatla is an island, traveling to other communities can be difficult.
The community was a Tsimshian village in British Columbia. Eighty-two Tsimshians were relocated to the region in 1887 by Anglican Missionary William Duncan, who was appointed Lay Missionary to the Tsimshian people of the West Coast of British Columbia.
Tsimshian longhouse
When visiting Metlakatla, make time to stop by the Tsimshian longhouse. Visitors can experience the culture of this ancient tribe and enjoy educational and hands-on activities. They can also see old Tsimshian artifacts and dancers dressed in regalia. If you have time, you can learn about their unique language, which is also called Sm’algyax.
On the water side of the longhouse, you can see a mural depicting four Tsimshian clans coming together in harmony. You can also view newly erected totem poles. The longhouse was used to live on the island by the Tsimshian before the arrival of white settlers.
The Tsimshian people are indigenous to the Pacific Northwest Coast. They live in coastal British Columbia and far southern Alaska. Their homeland is in the area between the Nass and Skeena Rivers. Some of their ancestors migrated to Metlakatla and are now settled on Annette Island. They are one of the largest First Nations peoples in northwest British Columbia.
Boxley is a Tsimshian artist and carver. He owes his passion for art and culture to his Tsimshian ancestors. His family is not from Metlakatla, but is deeply involved in the revival of Tsimshian culture.
The Tsimshian culture was very rich. They hunted salmon and gathered other sea life. In the winter, they built longhouses from red cedar timber. These longhouses featured central fireplaces and sleeping platforms. They also had cedar-bark mats for insulation. During the winter, the chief’s dwellings served as dance houses.
Tsimshian culture is based on tradition. While a few of the Tsimshian traditions are still practiced today, the Tsimshian people live on an island in the Inside Passage. It is the only settlement of native Tsimshian people in the U.S., as well as the only Indian reservation in Alaska. The community’s economy revolves around fishing and tourism. The Tsimshian culture is rich in song and dance and is reflected in their long houses and totem poles. The island is accessible by ferry and floatplane from Ketchikan.
Founders Day celebration
The Founders Day celebration in Metlakatlaw takes place every year on August 7 and includes games, races, food, and fireworks. The event is sponsored by the Haayk Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the s’malgyax language.
The Founders Day celebration is a big deal for the Metlakatla Indian community. The community holds activities for the entire family, including food, shopping, fireworks, and games. It is a day to honor the English missionary, William Duncan, who came to this area in 1794 and brought 800 Tsimshian people to the settlement on Annette Island. The community was then called New Metlakatla, and it was listed as one of the largest settlements in 1886.
The festivities include a picnic in the Longhouse at noon and field events during the afternoon. Participants can try their hand at watermelon eating, seated balloon pops, tug of war, and a dance contest. Afterwards, there will be a fireworks display at 11 p.m.
In 2017, Dr. Michelle Watts conducted research on tribal access to information technology in Metlakatla. In this research, she studied the Metlakatla Indian Community’s response to the religious repression that has plagued the region. After all, they had accompanied Anglican missionary William Duncan to Annette Island and attempted to replace their intricate social structure with industries. Despite this setback, the Metlakatla community eventually established an effective tribal council and an economic base that lasted for almost two centuries.
Walking and hiking trails
The name Metlakatla comes from the Maxlakxaala Tsimshian language. It means saltwater passage. The town was named after the old Metlakatla village, located near Prince Rupert on Metlakatla Pass. This area was once a Tlingit hunting ground, known as Taquan. The city received its designation as a census-designated place in 1980.
There are several hiking trails in Metlakatla. Some are short and accessible, while others require several days to complete. Most of the mountain trails begin and end in the forest, though there are also a few that end high above treeline and are surrounded by a spectacular view. There are a few things to be aware of when hiking, however. It is important to stay away from Devils Club and Cow parsnip, which can pose a danger to hikers. You should also be careful around salmon spawning areas.
You can hike along the Old Gold Rush Trail, which is a 12.2-mile loop that follows an old gravel road. This hike takes about 6 hours to complete. It is divided into two sections – Section A is a moderate round-trip route, while Section B is an out-and-back trail that is difficult.
The Centennial Campground Loop Trail is also a great place to walk. This trail is well-marked and well-trafficked. The trail is wide, well-marked, and easy to follow. Most people go walking on this trail, but it can also be used by bicyclists and people with children.
The area has numerous walking and hiking trails that are open to all forms of foot-powered recreation. You can walk, bike, and ski on the trails, and even go berry picking. The trails also have a disc golf course and a fat-tire bike track.