Sitka Clan Houses Nominated for National Recognition on Historic Preservation Lists
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Sitka Indian Village and its Clan Houses proudly announce their nomination for prestigious national and statewide historic preservation lists. The nominations include recognition on the National Trust’s “11 Most Endangered Historic Places” and the Alaska Association of Historic Preservations’ “10 Most Endangered Historic Properties.”
Sitka Indian Village, first built in the 1820s, is a cherished cultural landmark situated in the heart of Sitka, Alaska. Once home to over forty Lingít clan houses, only eight still stand today, and even fewer serve as active clan houses. The village serves as a testament to the resilience and enduring legacy of Alaska Native people, as well as the urgent need to converse and rebuild what is not just a physical structure but a cornerstone of the community’s heritage and identity.
These nominations mark a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to safeguard the rich cultural heritage of Sitka’s Alaska Native people. Both lists aim to highlight endangered historic sites and properties while advocating for their preservation, particularly focusing on underrepresented communities.
Jerrick Hope-Lang, whose Tlingit name is Lduteen, is working to preserve the cultural heritage embodied by the Clan Houses. With a vision to honor and perpetuate clan traditions, he leads a collaborative effort alongside Indigenous architects to revive his clan’s ancestral X’aaká Hít (Point House) and establish it as a focal point for cultural celebration and lineage continuity.
Photo by James Poulson
Hope-Lang and his team seek to inspire preservation efforts, facilitate new construction projects and advocate for the restoration of ownership rights to clan properties throughout the Village.
Hope-Lang is Tlingit and Tsimshian from the Kiks.ádi clan (raven frog) of the Point House. He is the grandson of Roger Lang, a member of the Sealaska Board of Directors from 1972-1978.
His work is fiscally sponsored by Native Movement, a Native-Led 501c3 in the state of Alaska. All donations to his project are tax deductible.