September 16, 2008
Tuesday

If only Alaskan Native Tlingits 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 Tlingits in your villages. It is not just Tlingits, I see divisions amongst Haidas and Tsimshians people, and I will not speak for them. We have 141 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 as we knew it.

Sure we know bits and pieces, but 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 and a way they stole our Tlingit lands and all our natural resources in the name of religion.

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 I came up with is 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 it is to hang out with your Native brothers and sisters of your Clan and Tribe. Your obligation is to your Tribe and not a Non-Native religion or church.

I will not kneel down to any Non-Native religion from this day forward. 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 Tlingit person.

This is my own opinion.

Gunalcheesh ho ho.

Don Hoff Jr.
Aan Kadax Tseen
Gaanax adi Clan
Yeil Hit
Taan ta Kwaan
Raven4eagle[at]aol.com
Hixson, TN

About: " Indigenous to all the Ketchikan area. Former City Councilman/Vice Mayor-City of Ketchikan. Boardmember of K.P.U. Former O.S.H.A. Boardmember/Chairman-State of Alaska. Former I.R.A Councilman-Ketchikan Indian Community. "

Received September 12, 2008 - Published September 16, 2008

Viewpoints - Opinion Letters:

Webmail Your Opinion Letter to the Editor

SitNews ©2008
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska