Alaska is one of the largest state of U.S.A. A total of 5.2% of Alaskans speak one of the state's 22 indigenous languages, known locally as "native languages". These languages belong to two major language families: Eskimo-Aleut and Na-Dene. Most of the people of Alaska are Christian and muslim,and reast are hindu and other relagion. The majority of people now living in Alaska are white. Some are descendents from the first Europeans who settled the area, and others are modern-day explorers from foreign countries and the other States, who come seeking adventure and fortune in modern Alaska. Alaska’s culture is one of camaraderie and survival. Residents look out for and take care of one another and welcome their guests with open arms.
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I am a Tlingit (American Spelling) or L'ingit (Tribal Spelling) Alaskan woman from Sitka, AK. I am a Kik'shaa from the Tinaa Hit house and descendant of Sally Hopkins (Shxaasti). My people have burried their ancestors in Alaska for 10,000 years. We are neither "Eskimo", "Aleut", "or "Na-Dene" speakers. Our language includes five sounds not found in any other language in the world. We are known for the battle of 1802 against the Russians in Sitka where the men of my clan (Kiksadi) defeated the invading Russian army. Also, we are known for the civil rights movement led by Elizabeth Peratrovich against segregation of Indigenous People's of Alaska in the 1920's. Most people don't know that all Indigenous people in Alaska are NOT Eskimo. There are many people that are different culturally and came from different migration periods in history. The word "Native" has become synonymous with "Indigenous" or "Aboriginal" but obviously don't mean the same thing. I don't think many of us care to classify us in such general terms, but that is how it is when a world dares to put us in a box and label it. I hope this reminds people that it hurts to be forgotten in your own homeland. It hurts to be discarded as the "settlers" are the majority and dig up our bones and ancient possessions for display in a museum. For ten thousand years my people have lived and died in Alaska and in the last hundred we have been nearly eliminated. We are still alive, no matter how small the number our hearts are as big as our presence in our history. Gunal'Cheesh (Thank you in L'ingit)
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