We invite members to join us June 30 – July 3, 2026, in Prince Rupert and Metlakatla for a series of Ts’msyen gatherings with Ahl’lidaaw Gitnack’angeak.

Ahl’lidaaw Gitnack’angeak is Gispudwada (Killer Whale Clan) and a member of Waab Neesh Alt Naats (House of Copper Swims Upriver). She belongs to Gitnack’angeak na Ggaldsap. Born in Wrangell, Alaska, and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska, Ahl’lidaaw’s family roots trace back to Metlakatla, BC, where her grandparents were born.

A unique opportunity to meet a Ts’msyen Elder.

For more than 30 years, she has worked alongside fluent-speaking Elders to learn, document, and teach Sm’algyax, contributing significantly to the preservation and revitalization of the language. She is also the founder and longtime leader of a ceremonial Ts’msyen dance group, dedicating her efforts to strengthening and revitalizing Ts’msyen cultural teachings, language, and practices in Metlakatla, Alaska.

These gatherings focus on reconnecting families and communities, strengthening Sm’algyax language use, sharing land-based knowledge, and deepening understanding of Adaawx and Ayaawx.

📍 Tuesday, June 30 – Welcome & Women’s Sharing Circle
Crest Hotel (Skeena Room) Prince Rupert
🕔 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Wednesday, July 1 – Connections & Conversations
Oliver Lake or Training Centre (weather permitting)
🕘 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Everyone is welcome.

📍 Thursday, July 2 – Learning and Reclaiming Traditional Knowledge & Connection to the Land
Metlakatla Multipurpose Room and Beach Walk
🕘 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Weather permitting. Everyone is welcome.

Join us as we gather to strengthen our connections to language, culture, community, and the land. We look forward to learning, sharing, and reconnecting together.

RSVP to sbeckwith@metlakatla.ca