About
SHI sponsors lectures by students and scholars researching Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian languages, cultures, and history. Lectures are generally held in Juneau in conjunction with Native American Heritage Month in November, SHI’s Visiting Scholars Program, and Celebration. They are also streamed live through SHI’s YouTube channel, where they are saved for later viewing. The lectures at the Walter Soboleff Building are free to attend and offered as a public service. To inquire about presenting your research as part of SHI’s lecture series, contact dillon.patterson@sealaskaheritage.com.
Lecture Series
The links below show a cross-section of lectures sponsored by SHI over the years. Visit SHI’s YouTube channel to view all videos, including lectures.
A Personal Journey
Master Haida artist Robert Davidson describes his upbringing, his journey to becoming a Northwest Coast artist, and the art he produces today.
Formline: An Evolving Art
The late Bill Holm is recognized internationally as one of the most knowledgeable experts in the field of Northwest Coast Native art history. His book, Northwest Coast Indian Art: An Analysis of Form, is a must-have resource for students of formline design.
Childhood Trauma
Dr. Vincent J. Felitti is one of the world’s foremost experts on childhood trauma. In his talk, Felitti discusses research which found that humans convert childhood traumatic emotional experiences into organic disease later in life.
Decolonizing Education
Dr. Marie Battiste of the University of Saskatchewan speaks about injustices and inequities in education for Indigenous peoples, the history of Indigenous education, and the work of decolonizing education.
Tlingit Spirituality
Although the Tlingit no longer have shamans, their traditional spiritual ideologies remain vibrant. This discussion reviews the traditional practices of shamans and focuses on Tlingit spirituality and its manifestation in cultural objects, including shamanic paraphernalia.
Kaagwaantaan Clan
Tlingit Elder David Kanosh tells the origin and migration story of the Tlingit Kaagwaantaan in true Tlingit oratory. His storytelling and the responses from other clans and elders showcase the beauty of Tlingit culture.
The Life of Seaweed
In this lecture, Dr. Schery Umanzor delves into the intricacies of the reproductive life of seaweed and explores the various strategies that ensure seaweeds’ survival and adaptation in their unique marine environment.
Meaning of Haida Title
Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson explores the decades-long journey that led to the formal recognition of the Haida Nation’s aboriginal title to Haida Gwaii and the agreement’s role in Indigenous legal frameworks.