About us

Who We Are

We are citizens of Sitka. We are a small island community of 8,500 on the outer coast of Baranof Island, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This island was called Shee before first contact with the Russians, and Sheet’ka is the original name of this town.

We are diverse and have lived here for many years or decades, or we were born and raised here. We are immigrants, or come from families who have been living here for generations.  We are glad to know that a quarter of our population is indigenous: Lingit, Haida, and Tsimshian, or belong to other Alaska Native or American Indian nations. Our Lingit friends have told us their people have lived here since time immemorial, and science is catching up and confirming that this land has been inhabited for at least 10,000 years. 

Adjustments 

As Sitkans, we have learned to accept challenges: the seemingly constant harsh weather, low cloud covers, drizzle or sideways rain, dampness, the long and dark winters, short and cool summers, limited shopping opportunities, small selections, and the miracle that appears when we see the sun. 

We accept that though by area Sitka is the largest incorporated borough in the nation, we only have 14 miles of state highways. Our neighborhoods are squeezed along the shoreline and into small valleys, and most of the land around us is steep or boggy and not available for development. We accept that living here is expensive: prices for groceries are through the roof, and we can only travel in and out on a commercial airline, the rare Alaska Marine Highway ferry, or small private vessels.  A traveling circus rarely comes to town. 

Sitkans are self-sufficient, create their own entertainment in the winter months, be it theater, musicals, burlesque shows, live music, dance and … circus. 

Our economy

Sitka’s economy is diverse, with the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium being the largest employer. The largest commercial fishing fleet in Southeast Alaska occupies  five boat harbors, the US Coast Guard maintains an air station  with three helicopters, and a USCG Cutter with another vessel scheduled to arrive next year. Sitka is home to federal and state government offices, large city administration, two colleges, three high schools, and several other public schools, artists of various disciplines, and a strong tribal government, Sitka Tribe of Alaska. 

What we do

This town is surrounded by public lands of the Tongass National Forest. Most citizens are ambivalent to the rain after all, this is the rainforest. Most of us enjoy the outdoors in any weather, hiking, hunting, fishing, and gathering, and might own at least one boat, usually a skiff or cabin cruiser, but also sailing boats, kayaks, or rowboats. 

Subsistence

It is important to us to maintain the legal rights to use the resources that Mother Nature has provided to keep the people well fed. “Subsistence” is a misnomer for this kind of cashless economy. Many of us go out and find food for the table, for right now or the coming winter. Those who are too old know that they won’t be forgotten. Sharing is a value that is practiced by the indigenous people here, and the newcomers have learned from this and benefit with body, mind, and soul. 

Our soul

We have one thing in common: we are rooted in this community. It’s not only the spectacular beauty around us, it is the people. It’s the lifestyle, customs and habits that the people who have always occupied this place are practicing. It’s the generosity, caring, and long-practiced ways to live sustainably. We know that in emergencies we have to rely on ourselves, our ingenuity and resources, be it physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. 

We often hear from visitors who are enchanted by this place and its people. This unique situation, this mix of prehistory, history, indigenous knowledge and wisdom, and contemporary systems, are special.

And this special mix gives us the reason to stay strong and resist the misleading promises of a corporate world, the so-called benefits of a seasonal cruise visitor industry flooding our town, trails, and waterways, now represented by international cruise companies, where short-term gains trump sustainability, and essential needs of the local population are ignored. 

We are living here for a reason, with a purpose, and we will live here until we die. We are not transients driven by careers, we are locals who are grateful that our indigenous neighbors allow us to live in this place and be content. Our souls live here, and we are prepared to save our unique lifestyle.