Traditional Storytelling Event at the UAS Ketchikan Campus Library

Credits: Kathy Bolling

Photo Credits: Ketchikan Indian Community

URL: http://akla.org/wp-content/assets/files/newspoke/apr-jun-12.pdf

On the evening of Wednesday, April 4, 2012, the UAS Ketchikan Campus Library hosted the third of a week’s worth of Heritage Language Awareness events led by the Ketchikan Indian Community.

Forty people gathered, including babies hoisted on hips and grandfathers on canes, to hear the story of Tzab Tzab, a cheeky wren, told by Tsimshian elder John Reese and the splitting of a village by Tlingit elder, Capt. Joe Thomas. The two speakers told the tales in their native tongues. Reese’s story was translated by a language intern and Capt. Thomas alternated between Tlingit and English. 

There was a question/answer period which included the singing of two songs by Thomas and emphasizing the importance of personal introductions to include lineage.  This opportunity allowed UAS Ketchikan to help KIC members and the interested public learn about the language intern program and language resources available locally. KIC expressed interest in co-hosting future activities.

Library resources were showcased in two displays and a subject pathfinder was available on the topic of titles related to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribal groups.  The attendees were reminded that the Campus Library is open to the public and First City Libraries cards are welcomed.

Display case at UASK Campus Library.      Terri Burr, Shimalgyax Apprentice and John Reese, Shimalgyax Fluent Speaker. Courtesy copy of Ketchikan Indian Community.

Caption: On left: Display case at UASK Campus Library.  On right: Terri Burr, Shimalgyax Apprentice and John Reese, Shimalgyax Fluent Speaker. Courtesy copy of Ketchikan Indian Community.