Xunaa Shuká Hít is a gathering place where tribal members, park visitors, and National Park Service staff are inspired to learn about and preserve Tlingit history, culture, life ways, and traditions. It anchors the Huna Tlingit in their homeland, and reminds all that the Tlingit are integral to the lands and waters of Glacier Bay. Associated educational programs, cultural experiences, and studies revitalize and perpetuate the living Huna Tlingit culture.
Purpose 1: Xunaa Shuká Hít provides a venue for tribal members to connect with their traditional homeland, life ways, and ancestral knowledge; build sustaining relationships with the National Park Service; and continue to share in stewarding the lands and waters of Glacier Bay.
Purpose 2: Xunaa Shuká Hít provides opportunities for park visitors to discover the story of the Huna Tlingit and experience Xunaa Shuká Hít as a container of traditional knowledge and ancestral spirits, a physical manifestation of the enduring connection to homeland, and a bridge between the tribe and the National Park Service.
Purpose 3: Xunaa Shuká Hít serves as a venue for NPS administrative functions focused on stewardship of Glacier Bay National Park, the Huna Tlingit homeland; fostering collaboration and healing between NPS and the tribe; and instilling advocacy for cultural preservation.
My father was one of three carvers… They carved the house screen, house posts, xxxxxxxx
Carving with Owen
In 2010, the day after Thanksgiving, we officially started working together on the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Tribal House, now known as Xunaa Shuká Hít. Our working relationship continued into 2018, when the project was completed.
When we started this journey, I felt Owen could bring a strong, cultural foundation to the project that many other community members didn’t have. I had no expectation that this was going to be an 8-year team project, it turned out to be very rewarding to all of us involved.
During our many days of carving, we were able to share with each other, community members and many visitors to the project, stories of our Tlingit lives, culture, and experiences. There were many laughs as well as some challenges that required working together for solutions, which always made us stronger. Owen’s problem-solving ability helped us work through many of the unforeseen issues we encountered.
Gordon greenwald, master carver
https://www.ksl.com/article/29351175/hoonah-carvers-make-their-marks-with-tribal-house
