DUE TO CONSTRUCTION SHAKES ISLAND IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
The Tribal House of the Bear on Shakes Island in Wrangell, Alaska is a wonderful example of the architecture of the Tlingit Nation. The house, once the home of Chief Shakes, is a replica of the original house erected on the site in the 1800's.
Original Shakes Island
The Chief Shakes tribal house was constructed in 1940 by the Civilian Conservation Corp using local carvers and labor. After almost seven decades in the temperate climate of the Tongass National Forest, a massive renovation will begin to replace deteriorating sills and beams. As a fundraiser to match grant funds, this website will offer t-shirts and buttons for sale as well as a place to make a donation.
Your donations will help the renovation become a reality!! Gunal'cheesh!
Elder Marge Byrd & Guide Britany Lindley
2011 UPDATE:
Thanks to a State of Alaska appropriation and a grant from the Department of Natural Resources, the architectural fees are paid! We are halfway through adzing the 7,000 square feet necessary for the renovation. The totems have been taken down and an assessment is being developed on which totems need to be re-carved. This portion is co-funded by a State of Alaska appropriation and a RAC grant from the U.S. Forest Service who are partners on the project.
