This is Leah Moss, Kuxwooduya! I started this website as a project for my sophmore year at South Lakes High School. I wanted to honor my father, Owen James, and share his traditional knowledge with others.
My father is Kiks.adí (Frog Clan) of Kéex Kwáan (Kake, Alaska). He grew up in Kake, but has spent the majority of his adult life in Hoonah, Alaska, the largest Tlingit village. My father is well known for his hunting, fishing and gathering skills and for his Native dancing. He worked as a commercial fishermen, a logger, and most recently as a carver.
My father was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. One of the effects of PD is that you lose the ability to use your voice. I want this website to be my father’s voice – a place where he can share his stories.
I hope you enjoy reading and learning about Tlingit culture through my father’s stories! If you have stories of your own that you would like to share, please use the contact form.