A small crowd of community members gathered in the bleachers of the Petersburg High School gym on Nov. 13 to listen to local speakers who shared stories about the importance of connecting to one’s cultural identity, and the healing power that can bring.
Shagaw Nathan Lopez, who serves on the Petersburg Indian Association Tribal Council, began the evening.
“We are gathered here today to share, learn and recognize the importance of embracing one’s complete identity,” Lopez said. “Sharing our experience can begin a process of healing through mutual recognition and understanding.”
After his remarks, Lopez welcomed Petersburg’s Séet Ká Kwáan Dancers onstage to perform traditional dances.
When the dancing concluded, Lgeik’l Eesh Will Ware, the house master for the Freshwater Mark Sockeye House, gave an introduction to Tlingit history and culture. Ware explained the two Tlingit moieties, Raven and Eagle, and spoke about his clan. He also shared cultural customs, language, and Indigenous science.
He said sharing Tlingit cultural knowledge is important. Ware pointed to a quote by Walter Soboleff, a Tlingit leader and Presbyterian minister: “When you know yourself, you’re less likely to hurt yourself.”
“I can say this with certainty, because it’s fact and it’s truth.” Ware said.
Ware said that when Alaska Native people connect with their cultural identity, it can be incredibly healing. He said it can also be a way for individuals to overcome big challenges in their life.
“Finding that they have a clan, that they are Tlingit, or if they’re Haida, or if they’re Tsimshian, and they start going back to some of these roots to help identify who they are.” Ware said. “It helps them identify who they belong to. There’s a stronger sense of self worth.”
After Ware, Rae C. Stedman Elementary School Principal and Petersburg Indian Association Tribal Council member Heather Conn spoke in a recorded video.
Conn has both Norwegian and Unangax̂ ancestry, and she spoke about her experience growing up
“My mother grew up in a time when she was not allowed to play with other children because she was Native.” Conn said. “That same mentality, at times, was passed on to me. I was either too white or not brown enough. I couldn’t represent either because of my skin color.”
Conn said she found strength in her family, and she also found strength by pursuing higher education. For her, education was an important part of her healing journey. Conn now has three masters degrees and is pursuing her PhD.
“My hope is that every young person today remembers that no matter where you start or what obstacles you face, your voice and your story matter. You matter,” she said. “Education, identity and healing are not separate journeys, they’re one, and when we walk that path with pride and purpose, we honor our ancestors and prepare the way for those who will come after us.”
Conn ended the evening with gratitude for those who came before her, and she said she was proud of her heritage.
