Sharing Songs
Each summer, Chickaloon Village Traditional Council staff coordinate a week-long Ahtna culture camp that aims to teach Chickaloon Native Village Tribal children their traditional culture and history. Throughout the week, children participate in workshops ranging from how to process salmon to sewing kec'otl (boot-style moccasins), traditional storytelling and singing, and educational hikes that engage them in land stewardship and Ahtna practices. Culture Camp isheld on Ahtna traditional lands and is open to adult Tribal citizens and CVTC staff and their families. Each year, CVTC also welcomes invited guests from partner organizations locally and around the world. In 2019, Culture Camp hosted members of the Indigenous Food Network.
The Ahtna have a long tradition of singing songs to tell stories, honor ancestors, commemorate moments in their history, and to celebrate people coming together. Songs are passed down from generation to generation and are treated with respect and care. To be in an audience to their performance is considered an honor and should not be taken lightly. Singing is also often performed with a drum which is handmade out of moose hide.
