Pacific Northwest

Tsimshian

~12,000Sm'algyax, EnglishSince 800 CE

About the Tsimshian People

The Tsimshian people are matrilineal coastal nations known for carved poles, formline art, and clan feasts that link villages along the Pacific in Alaska and British Columbia.

Cultural Traditions

Formline Carving

Feasts and Potlatches

Cedar Weaving

Drum Songs

Historical Timeline

1862

Smallpox epidemics impact Tsimshian villages

1887

Community relocates to Annette Islands (New Metlakatla)

1891

Annette Islands Reserve established by U.S. for Tsimshian of Metlakatla