A look back to the early 1900s

SHI has posted a Certificate of Citizenship for John M. Tlunaut which shows the lengths to which Native people had to go to gain citizenship in the early 1900s. In the document, Tlunaut attests to his abandonment of tribal practices and relationships and adoption of civilized life. Additionally, five non-Natives had to affirm he had given up tribal customs and relations and qualified for the rights of citizenship. Ironically, he is the grandfather of Rosita Worl, president of SHI, whose mission is to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures.