On Saturday the 14th of October, I was honored to be at a party (Potlatch) for our people (Raven and Eagle clans). The Eagles were honoring the Ravens. The food was great and the gathering, especially seeing the young ones following the steps of our ancestors and culture; our values. Our culture is based on “Respect” due to our Aunts and Uncles who raised you. I sat across from a family who had a daughter who was so full of the cultural spirit, she was singing and dancing. She was 5 years old, from Klukwan. The others were from other towns or villages, they served, sang and danced, and spoke their language. They were proud of themselves. You could see it in them. I was proud of them.

And I ask myself, why is Haines not teaching our young ones their values? Why? Our culture must survive for our young people and their future.

Phillip Jackson