I am writing to express my appreciation to all the people who have donated to the Chilkat Valley Community Foundation. I attended the CVCF gathering at the Haines Borough Library last week and was able to hear all the great things that have happened in our valley due to the contributions that were made by the CVCF, made possible by supporters from this valley.
As executive director of the Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center, a local nonprofit organization, I know first-hand how important community support is. The grant that the Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center received last year enabled us to help sponsor three different traditional arts classes: a button blanket class for Klukwan School students, a skin-sewing class with the Klukwan Library, and, just this month, a basket weaving class. These textile arts classes have helped to bring the Tlingit culture of this valley to the forefront, and contribute to this valley’s “sense of place.” When you see a traditional button blanket or hand-sewn moccasins or a woven hat during a public event attended by Tlingit people in their traditional regalia, it helps to give our community depth of character and adds value to visitors’ experience who may witness that public event.
Thank you, Chilkat Valley Community Foundation, for all that you do, and to all the people of the Chilkat Valley who give so generously to make our community a better place to live. Aatlein gunalcheesh ldakát yeehaan. (A big thank you to all of you).
Lani Hotch