Metlakatla Annette Island Alaska
55
Cruises availables
At departure or passage at this port
American Cruise Lines (44 Cruises)
American Constellation
24 Cruises
American Constitution
20 Cruises
| 2 July | 12 days | One-way from Ketchikan to Juneau |
450-628-6241
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| 3 July | 9 days | One-way from Ketchikan to Juneau |
450-628-6241
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Silversea Cruises (11 Cruises)
Silver Whisper
11 Cruises
Frequently Asked Questions
Most passengers arrive on organized excursions from Ketchikan, about 45 minutes by ferry. A few small ships call directly at the village's fishing harbour on Annette Island.
It is the state's only Indigenous reserve. When Alaska abolished reservations in the 20th century, Metlakatla chose to keep its distinct status, which still guarantees it control over its island, its waters and its resources.
The performance in the community longhouse first — it is the heart of the visit. Add the arts centre with its carvers, weavers and beaders, a walk through the village among recent totem poles, and the short boardwalk climb up Yellow Hill.
Tsimshian people. In 1887, several hundred left the coast of British Columbia with Anglican missionary William Duncan to found a new community on Annette Island, on the American side. The village's name, meaning 'saltwater passage', comes from their homeland.
Local dance groups share songs, drumming and clan stories in regalia, button blankets and carved headdresses, in the Sm'algyax language. Several dancers leave work for the length of a performance. The power lies in the closeness: only a few dozen spectators.
Yes, directly from the artists. The arts centre hosts carvers, weavers and beaders: silver jewellery engraved with clan crests, baskets, prints. Each piece comes with its story and its maker's name, which sets it apart entirely from ordinary shopping at the region's larger ports.
You must ask permission, and it is almost always granted graciously. The same applies to photographing people. It is basic respect in a community that receives visitors as guests, not as customers.
A yellow sandstone knoll climbed by a short boardwalk, from which the view takes in the strait and the neighbouring peaks. The small museum in Duncan's former residence also holds mementoes from the Tsimshian colony's early days.
Guided outings lead to viewpoints over the strait, where whales, seals and bald eagles pass. Depending on the season you may also watch the seiners return to the harbour and unload salmon: fishing has always sustained this community.
Yes, for families who come to listen. The drums, the dances and the totem poles leave a lasting mark on children. Note that programs vary by day — visits are designed and guided by the community — and bring rain gear.
