Chilkoot Indian Association will present “Everything from afar drifts ashore: The Northern Hub of Tlingit Country” —a book talk by Dan Henry, author of “Across the Shaman’s River” at the Chilkat Center Tuesday
Henry’s book, published in October, was more than a decade in the making. The book tells the history of John Muir’s contact with and conversion of the Tlingit to Christianity. The book’s history of the Chilkat and Chilkoot people also draws on 25 oral histories Henry collected over 15 years. Other sources include unpublished portions of Muir’s journals documenting his travels in the area.
CIA is scheduling the book talk as part of the upcoming Southeast Alaska tribal transportation program workshop set for April 24 through April 26 at the ANB Hall. The workshop will focus on water transportation in the region. Representatives from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Highways Administration will attend.
“We wanted to give the people that come to the conference, and the community, some things that are more entertaining and more fun,” said Ryan Barber, CIA assistant transportation coordinator. “I think it does a couple of important things for the community. There’s a lot of people in my generation and after my generation who graduated here and have never heard any history of this place, certainly no Native history. It’s also really beneficial to people who have moved here as adults.”
Henry said he’s prepared a slideshow that gives an overview of the book and he hopes to engage in discussion. “People can come with questions,” Henry said. “I’m hoping for some comments and reactions. I’m really looking forward to talking about the book.”
Suggested of donations of $10 to $15 will go toward this summer’s CIA Culture Camp. The event is scheduled for April 24 at 6 p.m.