You Know Juneau

Israel Hope is a young Tlingit/Inupiaq storyteller in Juneau who volunteers in schools to share traditional stories and values. He is part of a resurgence of pride and purpose in sharing the cultural knowledge that is dying with the Elders under the guise of protecting indigenous knowledge. Gastineau School on Douglas Island has a Tlingit immersion program.

I was in Juneau working with teachers on culturally linked math curriculum. We had the great opportunity to go to the State Museum where there are some great traditional artifacts. Tlingit is dynamic and contemporary, but looking at the old ways, it is amazing to me that Native Alaskans took the time to decorate their everyday tools and clothes when life must have been so difficult. Teachers can borrow kits of artifacts from Sheldon Jackson Museum to help them teach about cultural history.


The state capital building is anti-climatic. Junior legislators don't even get offices in the capitol building. Inside is definitely nicer than the outside. One great feature though is the marble from near Prince of Wales Island (by Ketchikan) that graces the lobby. Another priceless asset is the fantastic views of oceans down the hill and mountains behind.