On the Island
Our most significant landmark is in Sitka National Historical Park (Totem Park). There you will find totem poles originating from Prince of Wales Island as well as more recent poles made by local carvers. The "All Clans" pole was carved in part by Wayne Price and Tommy Joseph. And the K'alyaan pole, located near the battleground, was carved by Tommy Joseph and Fred Andrew Beltran. Tommy also works at Totem Park and can be found there during normal business hours where he is available to teach wood carving and answer questions.
Two young Haida artists are carving a Tlingit pole commissioned by the park service at Totem Park this summer. Also, Wayne Price is carving a healing pole commissioned by SEARHC on Japonski Island. Sitka has a very strong Native artist community.
The Sheet'ka Kwaan Nakahidi (Community) House is modeled after a traditional Tlingit Longhouse. It was built for the community of Sitka. It is easily found because there are two large panels of Tlingit artwork at the entrance representing the Eagle and Raven moieties. Once inside, wooden benches surround a firepit in front of the stage. On the backdrop of the stage is another Raven and Eagle panel. The building makes for a great atmosphere where many of Sitka's Tlingit dance groups frequently perform. It is also used for performing artists, weddings, parties, and in the winter months, the Monthly Grind.
Further down the village sits the historic Alaska Native Brotherhood, home of ANB Grand Camp No. 1.This is the first Native organization in Alaska where the likes of Peter Simpson and William Paul led a movement for Native civil rights. Over the years it has served as a place for 40-day parties and the Koo.eex', othewise known as payoff parties. It is also where the Sitka Native Education Program(SNEP) is based.
The rest of the Tlingit village consists of clan houses or property where they once were. Many of the houses are in disrepair, the result of ownership issues between family members. Because the original owners did not have a will, the property got split between their children and descendants until ownership was too scattered that noone owned enough to upkeep. However, the Coho house was one that was renovated by their clan and is in great condition.
At the north end of Sitka you'll find Gajaa Heen(Old Sitka). This is where the Russian traders first established a settlement that was eventually attacked by the Kiksadis and other Tlingits from neighboring villages in 1802 (see the Battle of 1804 link). Their structure was burned down and there were few survivors. It led to the Battle of 1804.