Old-growth wood for cultural uses: Sustaining native lifeways in southeast Alaska

Abstract

Large western redcedar (Thuja plicata) and yellow-cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis) trees have been prominent in many Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Alaska Native traditions for 5,000 years. Today, these southeast Alaska tribes harvest logs from their historical territories within the Tongass National Forest. Cedars that are more than 450 years old provide logs for totem poles and canoes as well as bark for traditional weaving. Forest Service researchers Adelaide Johnson and Lee Cerveny worked with research collaborators, indigenous community leaders, tribal members, prominent carvers, and artists in 11 southeast Alaska Native communities to qualitatively assess the significance of cultural wood products. The study incorporated public involvement to foster the sharing of community information with land managers. Participants also engaged in the intergenerational transfer of knowledge about stewardship and traditional cultural uses of wood within the Alaska Native communities. After soliciting and documenting a variety of indigenous perspectives, the researchers distilled the information into a format that can be easily considered in forest management planning. This information supports the Tongass National Forest’s land management plan of sustaining wood for cultural activities. Insights from Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian partners can inform conservation and reforestation efforts to support future needs for the cultural use of wood.

Citation

Vizcarra, Natasha; Johnson, Adelaide; Cerveny, Lee. 2022. Old-growth wood for cultural uses: Sustaining native lifeways in southeast Alaska. Science Findings 252. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 6p.