In Lḵoot, Haines, in the fall of 1986, Austin
Hammond—Daanawáaḵ, Gunx̱aa G̱uwakaan—presented the at.óow of the Lukaax̱.ádi to
demonstrate their sacred ties to the land. He told the history of how the
Lukaax̱.ádi acquired the sockeye salmon as a crest, and how they came to own
much of the Lḵoot area. He also showed the G̱eisán (Mt. Ripinsky) tunic, and
spoke of the Haines totem pole which depicts Naas Shagi Yéil, Raven at the Head
of the Nass River. Austin made a point that if we understand our history, then
we are more capable of fighting for our rights. He implored the people to fight
for their grandchildren. This presentation was documented by Nora Marks
Dauenhauer—Ḵeixwnéi, also of the Lukaax̱.ádi. It is now available online.
Austin Hammond (1910 – 1993)
was one of the most deeply respected and admired Tlingit Elders of his time.
Austin was deeply committed to instructing about Tlingit knowledge and
motivating Tlingit people to fight for their rights. The people whose lives he
impacted—which includes people all over Alaska and beyond—continue to talk
about Austin’s legacy and to try to embody the knowledge and values that he
shared.
This recording is from the
Sealaska Heritage Institute Operational Recordings collection. This recording
was placed online as part of an Institute of Museum & Library Services
grant.
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