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Taku River Tlingit First Nation reclaims traditional names on traditional territory

Tuesday, 1 August 2023 10:26

By Stuart Bonell

Traditional Tlingit names for mountains, waterways, and islands will be used to help reconnect to the land.

Taku River Tlingit First Nation has reclaimed over a dozen Tlingit names for locations in their traditional territory. In a media release this morning, Taku River Tlingit First Nation says that these place names carry ecological knowledge and are key elements in Tlingit stories.

The release goes on to say that the process of reclaiming place names helps communities reconnect with the land for a deeper understanding.

The list of reclaimed names includes K’iyán Mountain and A X̲eegí Deiyí Shaa, which were formerly known as Minto Mountain and Monarch Mountain, respectively. Those two names were reclaimed in March. On July 28, another eleven names were reclaimed, including T’ooch’ Héeni, Koosawu.áa Héen, and Wéinaa X’áat’i. The full list of names, pronunciations, and how they were known before the reclamation is available below.

K’iyán Mountain (pronounced KEY-yawn), previously known as Minto Mountain

A X̲eegí Deiyí Shaa (pronounced A-HEE-gi DAY-yi Shaa), formerly known as Monarch Mountain

T’ooch’ Héeni (pronounced t-ooch HEE-nee), previously 4th of July Creek

Koosawu.áa Héen (pronounced KOO-sa-woo ah HEEN), formerly known as Pine Creek

Koosawu Áa (pronounced KOO-sa-woo AH), previously Surprise Lake

Daatgaadláaḵ X’áat’i (pronounced daht-gahd-LAK HAHT-tee), previously Third Island

Utajée X’áat’i (pronounced oot-ta-jee HAHT-tee), previously Second Island

Wéinaa X’áat’i (pronounced WAY-nah HAHT-tee), previously First Island

In Héeni (pronounced IN HEE-nee), formerly known as McKee Creek

Yat’aayi Héen G̱eeyí (pronounced yut-AYE heen gee-YIH), formerly known as Warm Bay

Yat’aayi Héen (pronounced yut-AYE heen), formerly known as Warm Bay Hot Springs

Watsíx Héeni (pronounced wat-seek HEE-nee), previously the O’Donnell River

Taaltsux̱éi Héen (pronounced tal-soo-kay heen), previously spelled Tulsequah River

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