Taku River Tlingit People

Traditionally the Tlingit were semi-nomadic and lived a subsistence lifestyle. In the summer they congregated an larger groups to fish as communal effort was required. In the winter months they dispersed to smaller families to travelled to upland and higher areas and hunted marmots ground squirrels, sheep, goats, bear, moose and caribou. Year round also foraged for berries and other edible plants.

Caribou was a major resource which not only provided meat but also used to make tools, cloths, bags, thread and more. Bone was used to make tools and hides to make cloths and bags. Fur bearing animals were caught by traps and deadfalls and the furs were used for clothing and bedding.

The Tlingit people relied on trade with other First Nations people where they traded caribou and moose hides, furs, clothing, foraged products and other things they made. They would receive fish oils, dentalia, shells, and other products of the different First Nations.

Tlingit camped at the current site of Atlin, formerly known as “Wenah” which meant ‘alkali’, the mineral lick that attracted the Caribou for the salt. There are several archeological sites and cultural sites within the neighbouring https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/atlin/Atlin/Áa Tlein Téix'i Provincial Park. The Tlingit people have seen a great amount of changes over the past 150 years strongly influenced by the gold rush and the on-going mining industry.

Throughout all the changes seen in the Atlin area the Tlingit have managed to maintain their diverse and rich culture and practice a traditional lifestyle mixed with modern practices. As stewards of the land they use their craftsmanship and trading to produce and service their rich lifestyles. Tlingit traditions are still practiced and the history and cultural of the region is a living legacy.