Organized Village of Kasaan
Alaska Native tribe
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The Organized Village of Kasaan is a federally recognized Alaska Native tribe of Haida people.[1] This Alaska Native tribe is headquartered in Kasaan, Alaska Tlingit: Gasa'aan.[2]
Organized Village of Kasaan
| |
|---|---|
Dzila'qons mask from the Village of Kasaan, Peabody Essex Museum | |
  Organized Village of Kasaan Organized Village of Kasaan | |
| Coordinates: 55°32′12″N 132°23′47″W | |
| Constitution Ratified | October 15, 1938 |
| Capital | Kasaan, Alaska |
| Government | |
| • Type | Representative democracy |
| • Body | Kasaan Tribal Council |
| • President | Michael Jones |
| Demonym | Kaigani Haida |
| Time zone | UTC–09:00 (AKST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC–08:00 (AKDT) |
| Website | kasaan |
They are known as the Kaigani Haida.[1] Kasaan Health Center provides healthcare to the tribe.[2]
Government
The Organized Village of Kasaan is led by a democratically elected tribal council.[3] Its president is Michael Jones.[4] The Alaska Regional Office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs serves the tribe.[4] They ratified its constitution and corporate charter in 1938.[3]
The tribe is a member of the National Congress of American Indians.[5]
Territory
Previously, the Kaigani Haida lived in a former village, Tlingit: Gasa'aan (meaning "pretty town) or "Old Kasaan". In the 18th century, they migrated to Kasaan, or "New Kasaan", which became the northernmost Haida settlement.[6][2]
Kasaan is on the eastern coast of Prince of Wales Island that is part of the Alexander Archipelago.[7] Kasaan is 30 miles northwest of Ketchikan,[6] but not connected by highway, so travel off the island is airplane or boat.[1]
Three other tribes are located on Prince of Wales Island: Craig Tribal Association, Hydaburg Cooperative Association, and Klawock Cooperative Association.[7]
Economy
Cultural tourism and timber are important to the tribe's livelihood.[7] Alaska Dream Cruises lands at Kasaan.[6] The Organized Village of Kasaan is affiliated with Sealaska Corporation, an Alaska Native corporation,[1] and Kavilco Inc., an ANCSA Village Corporation.[2]
Language and culture
The Organized Village of Kasaan speaks English and the Haida language.[2] The community has a Totem Park and the Chief Son-i-Hat Whale House (Haida: Náay I'waans), built in the late 19th century by Saanixaat, a Haida nobleman. The house has been restored and is open to visitors.[6] The tide has a woodcarving workshop open to the public.[6]