Tlingit Tribe's Killer Whale Canoe: Reviving Ancient Culture

0:00It's April 29th. This is Anchorage News Today, driven by AI. Peter's Burj's local tribe just unveiled their first Telanget canoe in over a hundred years, calling it Kayet Yaku, which means Killer Whale canoe. On April 19th, 2026, 11 pullers took it out on the water around Mittkov Island, battling the tide for an hour before landing at. Sandy Beach for a traditional blessing. The ceremony kicked off with drummers and singers from the Seikah Kwan dance group, along with sage burning and cedar bows placed on the bow. Tribal leader El Gakal Ishwawair named it right there, having the crowd chant Kayet Yaku to bring it to life. Artis Zajrsa, John Garcia III, painted the stunning formline Killer Whale design, making it nearly 40 feet of white fiberglass with chill cat, faces down the middle. Pullers like Seguch Billy Ware said it gave them goose bumps, feeling like they were reviving ancient village life on that historic beach with. Tiger glibs and old fish traps.

1:01For many, it hit deep, connecting back to thousands of years of Telanget culture, right in Petersburg. Now the canoe set for the journey at the end of May, paddling with other southeast Alaska crews to Juneau for the celebration festival starting June 3rd. The tribes opened to more pullers and donations via their website, turning this into a community milestone that keeps the tradition flowing strong.