History & CultureSitka, although it is promoted by the tour industry as a Russian American highlight, is steeped in Lingit culture and history, as well. The Lingit presence is estimated at more than 7,000 years. The Lingit are a Native American Indian group who traded all up and down the Northwest Coast.
Perhaps due to the abundance of resources and temperate climate, the Lingit created a complex social system over their many years. For example, the eagle is not just important as a national symbol, but to the Lingit is a part of their identity.
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The Lingit people divide themselves into two groupings, called moieties. One is Ch'aak' (eagle) and one is Raven (yeil). Those moieties are divided up into smaller groups, called clans, each of which uses various animals as their crests.
Many people who visit Southeast Alaska go to experience the Native culture in other ports, and assume that they will see more of the same; they do not realize that each town or village has its own distinct style of songs and dances, and that they are bound to see something different in each locale.
Sitka abounds, yes, with Russian American history, as evidenced by the available tours of the Russian Orthodox Church (St. Michael's Cathedral) and the Russian Bishop's House.There are also significant Native sites to take in: totem poles in the beautiful Sitka National Historical Park, Native artists' demonstrations at the Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center, cultural exhibits representing all of the various Alaskan Native cultures at the Sheldon Jackson Museum, and Native dancing at the Sheet'ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi.
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Photos from a traditional totem pole raising in Sitka May 2005. This pole was carved by students from Pacific High school in Sitka where it is now on display.
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