Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center, Alaska, United States
4.5 (27 reviews) Spent 1-2 hours Ranking #13 in Haines Speciality Museums • History Museums
Unique opportunity to learn more of indigenous culture
We really enjoyed our trip to the Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center. The four clan houses built inside were beautiful and fascinating to see, and we were fortunate enough to arrive in time to hear some of the stories that had been passed down through the generations. There was a lot of road construction on the road leading to the center, which will likely last for another year or two. But if possible, it is worth the trip.
Address
09 Chilkat Ave. Klukwan Alaska HC 60 2204, Haines, AK 99827
Mobile
Website
http://jilkaatkwaanheritagecenter.org
Current local date and time now
Saturday, May 11, 2024, 8:21
User Ratings
4.5 based on (27 reviews)
Excellent
78%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Reviews
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5jclin10 5:00 PM Sep 17, 2022
Wonderful way to be introduced to the Tlingit people
This is a bit off the beaten path, but very well worth the trip. We got to see a Tlingit whale house and hear the origin stories of their people, from the perspective of current-day Tlingit culture carriers. So informative and so moving.
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5heachri 5:00 PM Aug 6, 2016
Highlight of Skagway trip
On a recent cruise from Vancouver to Anchorage we were lucky enough to visit the Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Centre and Klukwan native village. We docked in Skagway and took a ferry to Haines. From there we took a trip to Klukwan where we were welcomed to the village by residents and artists. We were privileged to see traditional dancing with drum accompaniment in the impressive long house, where we had an opportunity to observe the carvings. We were also shown traditional crafts such as dugout canoe carving and smokehouse use. In the Heritage Centre we were able to meet artists working on beadwork, and to see examples of the famous Chilkat weaving. There were very informative displays about the traditional life of the people of Klukwan, and a small number of items produced by the residents for sale. This was an inspiring, interesting and enjoyable visit in a beautiful location on the bank of the river with a backdrop of mountains. Highly recommended.
