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People and Salmon in Southeast Alaska: A History of a Unique Relationship

Milton Bell

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Published in The Fishermen S Frontier: People And Salmon In Southeast Alaska (Weyerhaeuser Environmental Books)

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The Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people of Southeast Alaska have a deep connection to the salmon that have sustained their communities for centuries. Salmon are a vital part of the cultural, economic, and spiritual life of these communities, and their importance is reflected in the many stories, songs, and dances that celebrate the salmon.

The Fishermen's Frontier: People and Salmon in Southeast Alaska (Weyerhaeuser Environmental Books)

by David F. Arnold

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5903 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	431 pages

In People and Salmon in Southeast Alaska, author Thomas F. Thornton explores the history of this unique relationship. Thornton draws on historical records, archaeological evidence, and oral histories to tell the story of how the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people have interacted with salmon over the centuries.

The book begins with a discussion of the salmon's life cycle and its importance to the ecosystem of Southeast Alaska. Thornton then traces the history of human settlement in the region, and he shows how the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people developed a sophisticated understanding of salmon behavior and migration patterns.

Thornton also explores the role of salmon in Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian culture. He discusses the many ways in which salmon are used for food, clothing, and shelter, and he shows how salmon are central to the social and economic life of these communities.

Finally, Thornton examines the challenges facing salmon and the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people who depend on them. He discusses the impact of commercial fishing, climate change, and other factors on salmon populations, and he explores the ways in which these communities are working to protect salmon and their way of life.

People and Salmon in Southeast Alaska is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of Alaska, Native American culture, or the importance of salmon to the Pacific Northwest. Thornton's engaging writing style and his thorough research make this book a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the deep connection between the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people and the salmon that have sustained their communities for centuries.

Reviews

"Thornton's book is a valuable contribution to the literature on the history of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the relationship between humans and salmon."—William Cronon, author of Nature's Metropolis: Chicago and the Great West

"Thornton's book is a beautifully written and deeply researched account of the relationship between the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people and the salmon that have sustained their communities for centuries. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Alaska, Native American culture, or the importance of salmon to the Pacific Northwest."—David Montgomery, author of King of Fish: The Thousand-Year Run of Salmon

About the Author

Thomas F. Thornton is a professor of history at the University of Alaska Southeast. He is the author of several books, including The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act: A History and Public and Private Interests in Alaska's Forests.