About
Northwest Coast practices historically included a rich performing arts tradition through songs, oratory, storytelling, and dancing. Oral histories tell of Native peoples using natural amphitheaters set in mountain valleys to enhance their performances. In modern times, SHI has sought to integrate Native cultures into productions such as operas and plays.
About
SHI launched Naakahidi (Clan House) Academy to cultivate more Indigenous actors and performing artists to support future productions that incorporate Native culture and language. The program is meant to further the skills of Indigenous performers to act and sing in the Tlingit language and to refine their skills in dance. Instructors teach Tlingit language basics and strengthen performers’ connections to the text. Teachers also incorporate songs and dances into the sessions. Budding performers from all performing arts disciplines are encouraged to participate, including dancers, musicians, actors, and storytellers. Fluency in the Tlingit language is not required. SHI is seeking additional funds to expand the program to productions in the Haida and Tsimshian languages. The free program is open to high school students and adults in Juneau.
Application period closed.
About
In 2020, SHI partnered with Juneau’s Perseverance Theatre to write and produce the first Tlingit opera in recorded history. This original opera will focus on stories from the Tlingit-Russian War in Alaska waged in 1802 and 1804 and be based on historical facts and oral traditions as told from the Tlingit perspective. The Tlingit-Russian conflict is usually presented as a confrontation between “whites” with superior arms and brave but outnumbered and poorly armed Natives. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Tlingits saw themselves as victors even as they formally ceded to the Russians the site of their village and fort, now known as Sitka. The opera, which will debut in 2026 in Juneau, was written by Tlingit composer Ed Littlefield and Tlingit librettist Vera Starbard.
