Yak'éi Haat Yeey.aadí.

Yak'éi Haat Yeey.aadí.. It's Good You Have Traveled Here. , WELCOME , You are standing in the traditional lands of the Taant'a Kwáan Tlingit, who have cared for this place from earliest human time. It would not survive in its richness and beauty without their stewardship. We are grateful for the opportunity to live and learn here with mutual respect and appreciation., THE SOUND OF AN EAGLE'S WINGS , The name of this town, Ketchikan, and the name of this creek, is an anglicized version of a Tlingit word. About three hundred years ago, the Neix.ádi clan of the Sanyaa Kwáan gifted the area to the Gaanax.ádi clan of the Taant'a Kwáan. When the people of the tribe climbed Deer Mountain to the lookout point and looked down to the creek they saw the image of an eagle with open wings sitting on a large rock at the head of the creek. They named it Keech Ka Xa haan (Keech-wings, Ka-spread, Xa haan-over). This was reduced to Keech Xaan (now Kichxáan). The white settlers came and, unable to say the name correctly, changed it to Ketchikan., WHEN THE SALMON RETURN , Without salmon, Ketchikan would not have been settled in ancient or modern times, nor would have countless other creatures thrived here. During spawning season from the middle of June to September, you will hear the sound of eagle wings as they grab easy dinners from a creek teeming with salmon returning home., WELCOME TO THE TONGASS , Part of these ancient lands is now called the Tongass National Forest. At seventeen million acres, it is the largest national forest in the United States and contains the largest temperate rainforest in the world. It has sustained people, salmon, and other animals for generations. We count on the annual return of this dependable food source, and this creek traditionally hosted a fish camp for indigenous people. Many people have called this place home, drawn here by the abundant salmon and the nourishment, hope, and beauty they bring over and over and over., NAMES ARE POWERFUL , Just like your name is an essential part of your identity, place names are important connections between locations and their histories, languages, and cultures. Recognizing and using Indigenous place names is a respectful way to acknowledge the unbreakable ties we have to this land and the richness of its peoples, past and present., [Map of area with contemporary and indigenous names, clockwise beginning with] , KETCHIKAN/KICHXÁAN, Saxman/T'èesh Kwáan Xagu, Metlakatla/Maxɫakxaaɫa, Cape Fox Village/Gàash, Village Island/Dásaaxakw, Tongass Island/Kadúkxuká, Klinkwan/Hlankwa'áan, Howkan/Gáwk'yaan, Sukkwan/Saxk'wáan, Hydaburg/Higdáa Gándlaay, Craig/Sháan Séet, Klawock/Lawàak, Tuxekan/Takjik' Áan, Kasaan/Kasa'áan, Totem Bight