Tagish First Nation

It was an honour to meet Chief Andy Carvill and celebrate with the Tagish First Nation of the Yukon area as they opened a new learning center and cultural building. There was a day of speeches, music, dancing and a meal where we got to taste – herring fish eggs – a delicacy in this part of the world which is harvested and served on kelp. A highlight of the day was the Dakhká Khwáan Drum and Dance group.

The Tagish/Tlingit culture is matrilineal – with two social groups Wolf and Crow who are then divided into six recognised clans. Interestingly, a Crow would always marry a Wolf and a Wolf a Crow, ensuring a healthy population but things have changed since European settlers.

Each clan has a crest which I noticed on a lot of the regalia worn.