Tlingit is a noun that refers to an Indigenous Native American group inhabiting the coastal regions of Southeast Alaska and Northwest British Columbia. The Tlingit people have a rich and vibrant history, culture, and language of their own, which make them distinct within the larger Native American community.
The Tlingit language, known as Lingít, belongs to the Tlingit branch of the Na-Dene language family. Traditionally, the Tlingit rely on hunting, fishing, gathering, and trading as key elements of their subsistence lifestyle. They have a profound connection to and reliance on the natural environment, with a deep respect for their ancestral lands and resources.
The traditional Tlingit society is structured around clans, each with its own rights, resources, and responsibilities. These clans are matrilineal, meaning kinship and social status are passed through the mother's side. The Tlingit engage in various cultural practices, including storytelling, dance, totem pole carving, and regalia making, which serve to preserve their history, traditions, and identity.
Having faced colonization and assimilation efforts, the Tlingit people have shown resilience in preserving their cultural heritage. Today, they continue to maintain their language, customs, and artistic traditions while actively participating in contemporary society. The Tlingit have also played a crucial role in advocating for their rights, land claims, and self-governance to protect their cultural and natural resources.
