April 23, 2011
Saturday

If only Alaskan Native Tlingit's in Southeast Alaska spent only half the time learning Tlingit culture, our traditions and our history, instead of wasting our time learning about Non-Native Gods and churches, we would know what Clan, Tribe and house we belong to. We would be better off in today's society.

Look today at the divisions caused by religion amongst Tlingit's in your villages. I see divisions amongst Haida and Tsimshian people; I will not speak for them. Tlingit Culture has been around since time and memorial and less than 144 years of history that shows the demise of our Tlingit Culture, caused by Non-Natives brainwashing and assimilation by Non-Natives that God is the way. Non-Native religion has single handedly exterminated Tlingit Culture with impunity.

We should know our Clans, Houses, Language, History, Protocol and Tribe. Do you know where your Tlingit origins came from? Do you have a Tlingit name? Do you know your Clan? Do you know your Tribe? Is your Clan House or Tribe discussing problems in your village? Do you think that Sealaska Corporation is a Tribe and represents your Clan? Are you happy with your life? If you can't answer one of these questions it was caused by Non-Natives ramming religion down our throats and trying their best to assimilate us into Western Society stole our Tlingit lands and seas.

I was brought up Catholic in Ketchikan, even in my young life with that church I didn't believe any stories they were teaching, even though I didn't know why. What a waste of time in my life. No more. I will continue to studying and learning about my Clan and passing it down to my Gaanax adi Clan family.

The conclusion, Tlingit People need to stop going to Non-Native churches and practice Non-Native religion. If it is fellowship that you as a Tlingit require, then hang out with your Alaskan Natives of your Clan and Tribe. Your obligation is to your Family, Clan, and Tribe and not a Non-Native religion or church.

My Tlingit name is Aan Kadax Tseen (means a happy man in a village), I am from the Gaanax adi Clan, and I am from the Raven House /Drifting to Shore House. I am Taan Ta Kwaan (Sealion People). Start your Enlightenment period of your new life as a Alaska Indigenous person and be proud of it.

This is my own opinion.

Gunalcheesh,

Don Hoff Jr.
raven4eagle[at]aol.com
Hixson, TN