Metlakatla

Metlakatla is a community located in the Alexander Archipelago, in the southeastern region of Alaska. It is the only settlement of the Tsimshian people in the United States, who originally migrated from British Columbia, Canada. The name "Metlakatla" comes from the Tsimshian Maaxłakxaała, which means "Saltwater Passage."

File:Metlakatla Alaska.jpg

Aerial view of Metlakatla

History

The community of Metlakatla was founded in 1887 by a missionary named William Duncan, along with a group of Tsimshian people from British Columbia. Duncan had been a missionary in the Tsimshian community of Old Metlakatla for over 25 years before he and his followers decided to establish a new community in Alaska.

Healthcare

Metlakatla has a local health center, the Metlakatla Indian Community Health Center, which provides a range of healthcare services to the community. The health center is managed by the Indian Health Service, a federal agency responsible for providing health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. Services provided at the health center include primary care, dental care, behavioral health services, and emergency medical services.

Demographics

As of the 2010 census, Metlakatla had a population of 1,405. The majority of the population is of Tsimshian descent. The Tsimshian people have a rich cultural heritage, with traditions such as potlatch ceremonies and totem pole carving still practiced today.

Geography

Metlakatla is located on Annette Island, the largest island in the Alexander Archipelago. The community is surrounded by the lush forests and rugged mountains of the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States.

Economy

The economy of Metlakatla is largely based on fishing, with the community having a long history of commercial and subsistence fishing. Other important sectors include healthcare, education, and government services.

Education

Education in Metlakatla is provided by the Annette Island School District, which operates an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. The district also offers a cultural education program, which teaches students about Tsimshian culture and history.