Tlingit & Haida WA Chapter

Tlingit & Haida WA Chapter Welcome to our Tlingit and Haida Washington Chapter page!

✨Visit our website .thwachapter.org! ✨

The Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian Nations have existed as separate and distinct people in Southeast Alaska and Canada since time immemorial. In 1912 the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) was founded by Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian leaders who united to work to correct the injustices experienced by Natives throughout the Territory of Alaska. At its 1929 convention in Haines the ANB passed a resolution

to sue the United States government for the creation of the Tongass National Forest and the Glacier Bay National Park without the permission of the indigenous people of Southeast Alaska. The suit was filed in the Federal Court of Claims. The ANB was later advised that only federally recognized tribes could sue the United States over aboriginal land claims. The ANB petitioned Congress to recognize the aboriginal people of Southeast Alaska as a tribe. On June 19, 1935 an act of Congress, recognizing the Tlingit and Haida people as a single tribe was passed. Our organization was founded by a group of Southeast Alaska Natives who migrated from their home villages and towns to settle in the Seattle area. In the late 1950’s they formed the Tlingit & Haida Citizens Association and began meeting in private homes and rented halls. When the group learned that Alaska Natives not residing in Alaska were to be excluded from the tribal rolls being established in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, they sought recognition as a Tlingit & Haida community. During these years, even though Seattle delegates were not able to vote, members continued raising funds to send delegates to the annual Tribal Assembly in Alaska. In 1966 the Seattle delegates presented a resolution to the Tribal Assembly based on language from the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) that stated an individual meeting the requirements of the tribe could not be excluded from the tribal rolls no matter where he or she lived. Adoption of the resolution gave full recognition to the Seattle and San Francisco communities. Although residency requirements could not keep members off the tribal rolls they did, and continue to, affect tribal citizens living outside Alaska. Residency requirements make non-Alaska tribal citizens ineligible for virtually all services and programs offered by the Central Council. Over the years the Seattle Tlingit & Haida Community Council (STHCC) has raised funds to support its activities and programs through community dances, food sales, donations, raffles, sponsorships and grants. To enhance these efforts the non-profit Tlingit and Haida Indians of Alaska Washington Chapter (Washington Chapter), was incorporated in 1973. The Washington Chapter is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt corporation.

09/05/2026
It was a successful 2026 THWA Chapter (non-profit) Backpack Distribution! 🎉We hope you all have a great start to your sc...
09/03/2026

It was a successful 2026 THWA Chapter (non-profit) Backpack Distribution! 🎉

We hope you all have a great start to your school year! Gunalchéesh, Haw’aa.

Gunalchéesh tlein to all of our amazing volunteers (Amanda Warren & Monico Ortiz), Elizah Dominy, Youth Committee Chair & Youth Committee Members (Nathalie Anderson, Daphyne Albee, Andi Thornton, & Selina Wadsworth-Kahklen) for helping us to pack and distribute these backpacks! Aátlein Gunalchéesh to Democracy is Indigenous & Youth Committees for co-sponsoring this event. Our hands go up to all of you, here is to many more years of service for our youth! ♥️

🎉 Holding Each Other Up, Cultural Learning & HealingWe are happy to announce that in partnership with Tlingit & Haida’s ...
08/31/2026

🎉 Holding Each Other Up, Cultural Learning & Healing

We are happy to announce that in partnership with Tlingit & Haida’s CBS Healing Center we will be hosting a beautiful event focused on cultural celebration and healing. This gathering will include traditional art demonstrations, delicious food, and more!

🗓️ When: Saturday, September 12 | 10 AM - 4 PM
📍 Where: Tacoma Community College

Our Keynote Speaker, which is Tlingit & Haida Deputy COO Gail Dabaluz, is scheduled to begin her keynote address at 10:30 AM. Following the keynote address, participants are free to move about and enjoy buffet-style food and demonstrations.

✅ REGISTER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HERE: tinyurl.com/SeattleCulturalGathering

🎉 Holding Each Other Up, Cultural Learning & Healing

Join Tlingit & Haida’s CBS Healing Center and the Seattle Tlingit & Haida Community Council for a day of Celebration, Traditional art demonstrations and more.

• Moccasin making, Beading, Weaving and Canning Salmon Demonstrations
• Traditional Dancing
• Elder Q&A
• Lunch and snacks provided
• Espresso cart with FREE Espresso!

🗓️ When: Saturday, September 12 | 10 AM - 4 PM

📍 Where: Tacoma Community College

Our Keynote Speaker, which is Tlingit & Haida Deputy COO Gail Dabaluz, is scheduled to begin her keynote address at 10:30 AM. Following the keynote address, participants are free to move about and enjoy buffet-style food and demonstrations.

✅ REGISTER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HERE: tinyurl.com/SeattleCulturalGathering

08/31/2026
08/31/2026

🔔 Call for STHCC’s 2026-2027 Youth Ambassador!

Are you or do you know a Tlingit & Haida Washington Youth Leader who is interested in becoming the next STHCC Youth Ambassador?

Today marks the 7-day Youth Ambassador application period, all applications must be in by the deadline of 9/3 by the end of the day.

As a STHCC Youth Ambassador, you will get the opportunity to:
✅ Attend Tribal Assembly in Juneau, Alaska from 8/23-8/25
✅ Represent Tlingit & Haida Washington Youth
✅ Receive mentorship from elected delegates, officers, and community council committee chairs
✅ Learn more about tribal governance and how our tribe’s leadership is structured

Tlingit & Haida Youth who are 18-26 years of age and registered to the Seattle voting community are eligible to apply!

💡Fun fact: The Seattle Tlingit & Haida Community Council was the very first T&H community to officially create a recognized youth position on its community council!

🔗 Application: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/gUvTujwUB2

Our Youth Ambassadors have gone on to serve as delegates, emerging leaders, council members, educators, community organizers, and many more amazing positions and careers. Will you be our next STHCC Youth Ambassador?

The deadline for all applications to be submitted is 9/3 by 11:59 PM. Applicants will be notified as soon as 9/7, so we can ensure to book your travel in a timely manner. For questions please contact Elizah Dominy at [email protected].

08/30/2026

Yak’ei ts’ootaat! We are here at the Backpack giveaway, we will be here until 2 PM! Come get your backpacks! 🎒

Happening today from 11 AM - 2 PM! Check your emails for confirmation!
08/30/2026

Happening today from 11 AM - 2 PM! Check your emails for confirmation!

🎉 THWA Chapter Back-To-School Backpack Distribution!

We are happy to announce our second year of hosting our Back-To-School Backpack Distribution! Enrolled Tlingit & Haida Youth (K-12) are eligible to register and receive a backpack filled with school supplies.

🗓️ When: Sunday, August 30th, from 11 AM to 2 PM

📍 Where: Tlingit & Haida Lynnwood Office Parking Lot (20700 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA, 98036)

Registration is NOW CLOSED.

Please note that this program is funded by the Youth and Democracy is Indigenous Committees within Tlingit & Haida Washington Chapter (501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization) and has no affiliation with Tlingit & Haida the tribe.

Registration is required, as supplies are limited. For questions, please get in touch with Youth Chair Elizah Dominy at [email protected].

08/29/2026

Join Tlingit & Haida’s upcoming virtual Tlingit Language classes from Tlingit Language Instructor Sʼáḵjayéi (Yarrow Vaara) for families with youth 10 and up.

September 8 – October 22
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 5PM – 6PM

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/tlingitclass

Calling all youth leaders! Now is the time to apply to be the next STHCC Youth Ambassador!
08/28/2026

Calling all youth leaders! Now is the time to apply to be the next STHCC Youth Ambassador!

🔔 Call for STHCC’s 2026-2027 Youth Ambassador!

Are you or do you know a Tlingit & Haida Washington Youth Leader who is interested in becoming the next STHCC Youth Ambassador?

Today marks the 7-day Youth Ambassador application period, all applications must be in by the deadline of 9/3 by the end of the day.

As a STHCC Youth Ambassador, you will get the opportunity to:
✅ Attend Tribal Assembly in Juneau, Alaska from 8/23-8/25
✅ Represent Tlingit & Haida Washington Youth
✅ Receive mentorship from elected delegates, officers, and community council committee chairs
✅ Learn more about tribal governance and how our tribe’s leadership is structured

Tlingit & Haida Youth who are 18-26 years of age and registered to the Seattle voting community are eligible to apply!

💡Fun fact: The Seattle Tlingit & Haida Community Council was the very first T&H community to officially create a recognized youth position on its community council!

🔗 Application: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/gUvTujwUB2

Our Youth Ambassadors have gone on to serve as delegates, emerging leaders, council members, educators, community organizers, and many more amazing positions and careers. Will you be our next STHCC Youth Ambassador?

The deadline for all applications to be submitted is 9/3 by 11:59 PM. Applicants will be notified as soon as 9/7, so we can ensure to book your travel in a timely manner. For questions please contact Elizah Dominy at [email protected].

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Seattle, WA
98114

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