Tlingit culture and the Tlingit tales are not historical curiosities - the are the foundation for a vibrant and engaged people. The Alaska Department of Education has had several initiatives to bring these first nation tales into the school system.
The Sealaska Heritage Institute’s lecture series has focused on traditional education and its relevance. David Katzeek, or Kingeisti, the leader of the Eagle Thunderbird Clan of Klukwan, has spent years exploring the impact of traditional teaching, and strongly advocates for its continued teaching. The two central principles are a spirit of encouragement and a recognition of the needs of the student.
Ancient clans survived because of their understanding of meterology, liminology, oceanography, medicine - as well as history and mathematics. Modern clan members succeed because of their tribal teachings.
The central philosophy behind the Tlingit education system is that all human beings have the ability to listen for a purpose - to focus, comprehend, and continue to contemplate. By respecting your students and their abilities, they will use their full capabilities. With respect, students will work harder and understand more.
“Intelligence is probably one of the most traditional things any human being has,” Kingeisti has said.
The other fundamental pillar of the traditional Tlingit education is the idea of woocheen, or working together. Through cooperation and collaboration students can develop and grow.
Ishmael Hope and Dimi Macheras recognize the importance of traditional values and modern life in their beautiful comic, titled “Strong Man.” This book was part of a state-wide reading initiative, used through Alaskan schools and libraries in 2012. The Spirit of Reading program is a program funded by the Alaska Association of School Librarians, Alaska State Interlibrary Cooperation Grant and the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences.
Strong Man is the story of Dukt’ootl, who evolves from a bullied teen to a confident young man who achieves great things through hard work. The comic is intended for young adult readers, and Alaska library officials praised it for its relevance and how it could inspire reluctant readers. Hope described his intentions as: "I was trying to find a way of providing traditional Tlingit knowledge to modern life and with integrity. How do you do it, to describe the tests of modern challenges with a traditional framework, and at the same time encourage people to go into the original source."
Another major initiative by the Alaska educational system is the “Moon and Tides” elementary education unit. This set of lesson plans incorporates traditional stories and STEM education in a way that is interesting for young learners. Funded by the University of Alaska Sea Grant, this program is intended both for use by Native and non-Native teachers of Native and non-Native students. In rhythm with the calendar, this educational initiative teaches Tlingit vocabulary, scientific principles, and an understanding of the natural world.
I think Hope said it best, when he said, "The traditional and the contemporary intersect, making the past and present conversant with each other and hopefully enhancing each other."
To read more about Tlingit Tales in the classroom, please check out:
And if you want to read the graphic novel, “Strong Man”, you can find it on Amazon at:
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