Traditional foods are not simply a means of survival; they are the lifeblood of the culture, community, and daily life. The rhythm of gathering, processing, and sharing traditional foods throughout the seasons connects us to our ancestors, to each other, and to the next generation. These foods are essential to the health and well-being of Klukwan, as well as many Native and non-Native people throughout the Chilkat Valley.
Traditional foods have always been essential to Klukwan. When the original Tlingit founder and his nephews noticed the abundance of fish, game, berries and plants, they chose this land as their new home. Klukwan or “Tlakw Aan” translates “Eternal Village, “or “The Village That Has Always Been.” “Jilkaat Heeni” (Chilkat River) translates to “winter storage container for salmon.” Today, these foods continue to be essential to life and community.
Mixed Economy
Subsistence foods also play an essential role in our economy. As a “mixed economy” we rely upon subsistence foods to supplement our cash economy. Click here to learn more about mixed economies.
According to the most recent subsistence harvest data published by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), 93.5% of all households in Klukwan harvested subsistence foods in 1996 (Source: ADF&G). In Haines, 90.2% of households harvested subsistence foods in 2012 (Source: ADF&G).
Rhythm of the seasons
Taakw eetí (spring)
The rivers fill briefly with hooligan - a small oil-rich smelt-like fish - that can be dried or used to render oil. On the beaches, red ribbon seaweed is ready to be picked and dried as a snack or a seasoning.
ḵ u t a a n (Summer)
The Jilkaat (Chilkat) River fills with all five species of salmon. During the long days we are busy catching and processing salmon into atxeeshi (dried fish), Naayadi (half dried fish), and canned fish. We also go to the saltwater to catch shrimp, crab, and halibut.
Yeis (fall)
Strawberries, raspberries, thimbleberries, soapberries, blueberries and cranberries ripen throughout late summer and early fall. We process them into jellies, jams, and syrups. Fall is also the time to hunt and process moose and mountain goat.
Taakw (Winter)
As the days become shorter and colder, we have time practice our crafts. We come together to teach and learn traditional skills of carving, sewing and weaving. The foods we gathered throughout the rest of the year keep us healthy and happy.