Chilkoot Indian Association

The Haines Borough Public Library, in partnership with the Chilkoot Indian Association, will harness the power of Tlingit cultural skills and knowledge to improve family and community sustainability in this isolated rural location during difficult economic times. Specific projects for youth will focus on native culture, local foods, trading and bartering, and indigenous science concepts to encourage familiarity with cultural information. Presentations will be made on renewable energy sources, energy conservation, recycling, barter of goods and services, and nutritional value of local foods. A film consultant will be contracted to work with the library’s Film Club to create two films to document and preserve elders’ knowledge, experience, and practices in traditional life skills valuable in today’s world. A variety of training programs will assist patrons in gaining technology skills.