Jilkaat Kwaan Cultural Heritage Center (JKCHC)
The proposed Jilkaat Cultural Heritage Center/Bald Eagle Observatory draws upon all of those strengths in a culturally appropriate way and the center, even in its beginning stages, is a key component in our community's overall development. The above strategy, of drawing upon the existing strengths of the community, is one that has worked for many other indigenous groups.
The Jilkaat Kwaan Cultural Heritage Center and Bald Eagle Observatory will feature:
Display of Artifacts:
The building will be equipped with fire suppression and humidity control systems that are necessary for safe storage and display of the many treasured artworks in the Village, and those that are currently stored in other museum facilities. Among these are the Whale House Collection, the Frog House totems (currently stored in the Alaska State Museum in Juneau), several artifacts that have already been returned to Klukwan through the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), and various works of art, and historically significant pieces that have been designated by families and clans to be placed in the cultural center when built.
Storage of Artifacts:
There have been many artifacts from Klukwan that have been lost to fire, theft, and deterioration throughout the years. The proposed facility would offer protection from fire, theft, and environmental threats, for precious clan items that clan leaders, who for one reason or another, would not like them to be on display.
Arts and Crafts Studio:
There are a significant number of native artists and crafts people who live in the village. These individuals would be able to set up a permanent workspace in the proposed facility with adequate storage facilities for materials and equipment. The facility would also be available for artists' workshops and classes for others who would want to learn the traditional arts of the Tlingit Culture.
Replica Tribal House:
This portion of the facility will be a modified version of a Chilkat Long House that will house the collection of artifacts remaining in the village and those returned via the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
Eagle Viewing Corridor:
The facility will be located along the Chilkat River within easy viewing range of abundant eagle activity. The plan is to have a viewing corridor and boardwalk with spotting scopes available and microphones that will pick up the sounds of the eagles on the river flats.
Art Gallery/Gift shop:
The JKCHC's gallery/gift shop will feature the work of local artists, especially the work of artists from the Center's studio. There will, of course, be other items marketed in the gift shop that would be geared toward visitors. We anticipate that this portion of the facility will help to defray the costs of operation and will provide economic opportunity to the artisans.
