Religion:
After the epidemics of measles and smallpox spread through Alaska, most of the Tlingit Indians converted to Russian Orthodox Christianity.
Celebrations:
The Tlingit Indians are well known for their big, exaggerated celebrations. A well known celebration of theirs, is called the 'potlatch'. It was usually performed out of respect for the dead. The 'potlatch' lasted about four days and consisted of dancing, singing, performing, gifts, and feasts.
Population:
Around 15,200 with about 1,200 in Canada.
After the epidemics of measles and smallpox spread through Alaska, most of the Tlingit Indians converted to Russian Orthodox Christianity.
Celebrations:
The Tlingit Indians are well known for their big, exaggerated celebrations. A well known celebration of theirs, is called the 'potlatch'. It was usually performed out of respect for the dead. The 'potlatch' lasted about four days and consisted of dancing, singing, performing, gifts, and feasts.
Population:
Around 15,200 with about 1,200 in Canada.
Beliefs:
In both Alaska and Siberia, Tlingits believe that an immortal being called "Raven" formed the present world. Raven's combined attributes were: spirit, human, bird, genius, and fool. They also believe in a god called, "Heaven", although the Tlingits called him, "Shagoon", which means: ancestors, heritage, origin, and destiny.
Language:
The Tlingit language is only spoken by about 700 native speakers today. However, the Tlingit people are working to keep their language alive. Most Tlingit Indians today speak English.
In both Alaska and Siberia, Tlingits believe that an immortal being called "Raven" formed the present world. Raven's combined attributes were: spirit, human, bird, genius, and fool. They also believe in a god called, "Heaven", although the Tlingits called him, "Shagoon", which means: ancestors, heritage, origin, and destiny.
Language:
The Tlingit language is only spoken by about 700 native speakers today. However, the Tlingit people are working to keep their language alive. Most Tlingit Indians today speak English.