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This is part 2 of a 2 part series entitled “Native Cultures of Coastal Alaska: The Tlingit and the Inuit.”
Read Part 1
Along with spectacular waterfront and mountain views, pristine lakes and rivers, abundant wildlife and natural attractions, Juneau, Alaska is also known for its rich native culture. Influencing everything from clothing and jewelry for sale in the local shops, to local culinary delights, to the reverence many Alaskan’s hold for their property, land and wildlife, the native people of coastal Alaska played a prominent role in the development of the diverse culture many visitors now enjoy in Alaska’s capital city.
Far before Europeans, Americans and Russians discovered and influenced the then remote land now known as Alaska, the area was home to a diverse population of native peoples. The two most influential cultures in the Juneau area were the Tlingit and the Inuit.
The Inuit
Inupiat family, Noatak, Alaska, 1930 (Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia)
The Inuit are actually a collective of different indigenous peoples who inhabit land in a number of countries in the northern Polar Regions. They include the Inuit and Inuvialuit of northern Canada, the Kalaallit Inuit of Greenland, the Siberian Yupik of northern Russia, and the Inupiat and Yup’ik people of Alaska. The Yupik of Siberia and Alaska consider themselves a distinct people and prefer to be called Yup’ik, Yupiit or Eskimo, as the Yup’ik languages are distinct from Inuit languages. The remainder of Inuit people prefer to be called Inuit, as they consider the term “Eskimo” derogatory.
The majority of Inuit live in the Canadian Arctic and subarctic. In the US, the Alaskan Inupiat live on the northern and western slopes of Alaska.
Traditional Inuit Culture
The Inuit culture is classified as a “hunter/gatherer” society. Considered nomads, men traditionally hunted and gathered food from the land, while women prepared home sites, tended children, cooked and sewed. However, gender was not the driving force for participation in these roles; performance was a far more important criteria. Women who proved to be excellent hunters and chose to hunt would do so, and conversely all men were expected to know how to cook, sew and tend children. The philosophy for survival was community based: all members of a community contributed as needed to ensure the survival of as many members as possible.
Traditionally, Inuit communities were either made up of single families or by groups of families. The size of the community was often linked to the abundance of food found on a community’s land, and to a lesser extent the hunting skill of its members. Personal property was not abundant nor was it considered a show of wealth, as Inuit needed to move quickly to follow food sources and unnecessary items in a scarce existence were considered wasteful.
As the Canadian and Alaskan territories were settled by Europeans and Americans in the 18th and 19th centuries, many Inuit people gave up their nomadic lifestyles to settle in waterfront villages and communities.
Historically, the Inuit family was not strictly monogamous. Men and women were often married when a woman reached puberty and a man showed his skill as a good hunter, but most marriages were arranged during childhood by parents or the community. As a result, many of these marriages were open and each partner participated in extramarital relationships. Polygamy and divorce were not uncommon in Inuit communities, though if the couple had children, divorce required consent of the community and in particular, consent of the elders.
Inuit Elders were considered important repositories of knowledge, history and oral tradition and were highly
An Inuit family and their Alaskan Malamute stand outside a typical summer dwelling. Alaska: 1915. (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)
respected members of Inuit society. As such, the Inuit cared for their elderly to the best of their abilities. However, in times of need, particularly during hard winters with less than adequate food supplies, elders who felt like burdens were known to commit suicide in order to lessen the demand on the rest of the community and help to ensure the survival of their descendants. Hunters were always the first to be fed and clothed in hard times, followed by the elders, and then the women and children. Very young or deformed children would sometimes be left behind and given to the land, in hopes that a group of better faring people would find them and give them a better life before they succumbed to the weather or animals.
Storytelling, mythology and dance are important parts of the Inuit culture. Since written language was a modern development, the Inuit people historically depended on stories, myths and dances to teach history and cultural customs. During settlement by American and Europeans outsiders in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Inuit faced a cultural crisis. Many fell victim to European diseases, and most of those that survived gave up their nomadic ways and abandoned their cultural traditions and started to live in small European waterfront settlements, usually in desperate poverty.
During the second half of the 19th century, cultural sensitivity and activism took root, and the Inuit people formed international cultural groups and governing bodies dedicated to preserving and spreading cultural tradition and language. Today, the Inuit still face poverty, but their native countries have embraced their culture and heritage and support it as an important part of their country’s natural history. Storytelling, mythology and dance have experienced a large resurgence. Many Inuit artists are famous for their skills and talents, and some still prefer to “live off the land” like their ancestors. Some of these Inuit offer “adventure vacations”, where people pay to live with them for a few days or weeks in order to experience traditional Inuit life.
Inuit Languages
There are a number of Inuit languages and dialects, and together they are grouped under the term “Inuktitut”. Some of the native Inuit peoples speak Inuktitut, but others speak the language of the country in which they reside.
Variations of Inuktitut did not exist as written languages until the 1700’s, when missionaries helped the indigenous peoples develop an alphabet. Versions based on the Latin alphabet were developed in Labrador, which eventually spread to Alaska. Other versions were based on the Roman alphabet and spread east through Greenland. As a result, Inuit languages are written in many different ways. In Alaska, the indigenous people also developed their own system of hieroglyphics, and that influence is visible in their art and handiwork.
Traditional Beliefs
The arctic land on which they depend is the inspiration for many Inuit beliefs. A spiritual people, the Inuit developed many stories about great walrus, whale and caribou hunts, stories that celebrate strength, wisdom and honor. The Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights) were considered spiritual in nature. Some Inuit’s believed the lights were the spirits of departed family and friends dancing in the next life. Others believed they were the spirits of animals, guiding them during the hunt for food, or healing spirits used by the Angakkuq (shaman) to heal their people.
The Inuit shamans were animists, believing that all things possessed spirits. Inuit habits and rituals focused on maintaining balance and harmony in the world by keeping these spirits pacified and happy. By paying the proper respect to animals they killed, or stones they carved, the Inuit would keep the delicate balance of their surroundings intact and thus avoided bringing vengeance and hardship down upon themselves.
The role of the Angakkuq in an Inuit community was to dispense first aid, offer psychological counseling and ask the spirits for aid when needed. They were not trained by elders or taught by other members of the community. Instead, the abilities of an Angakkuq are believed to be inherent, so a new Angakkuq was appointed after a person reached maturity and the community believed they harbored the appropriate wisdom, clarity and natural affinity to become an Angakkuq.
Housing
An Inuit iglu (Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia)
Being nomadic peoples who followed their food supplies, the Inuit historically created camps that were easy to set up and take down. In the summer, when snow wasn’t always present, they’d erect tents of skins over bone or wood supports, much like the traditional housing of other indigenous American peoples. During the longer and more frigid winter months, the Inuit would use bone knives and tools to carve large blocks from well-packed snow and build iglus, houses of snow blocks during the winter months.
Hunting and Transportation
An Inuit hunter in a Qajaq in Alaska, 1929 (Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia)
Given their dependence on the waterfront and hunting just off shore in cold and sometimes rough waters, the peoples of the Inuit put heavy emphasis on the design and building of water craft, particularly seal-skin boats called Qajaq. Extremely buoyant, waterproof and easy to right if tipped, the highly specialized and efficient design of these small boats was copied by Europeans and Americans. Brilliantly designed, they are still produced today and are often found for sale as the phonetic version of the Inuit name; “Kayak”.
Qajaq were used by the Inuit to hunt various sea animals, especially in the summer when the waterfront was accessible and the seas were not frozen. In the winter, when much of the sea surface froze, Inuit hunters waited patiently by aglu, or holes in the ice, for air breathing mammals to surface. Polar bears hunt in the exact same manner and some anthropologist’s wonder who might have taught whom this specialized hunting technique.
Dogsleds (or qamutik) were (and still are) used to transport food, personal property and people over land in the
A traditional Inuit Qamutik or dogsled. (Photo Courtesy Wikipedia)
winter. Pulled by dogs hooked up side by side or in a fan, qamutik were vital vehicles to the Inuit. They depended on them to transport hunters and their weapons and tools to areas where prey was found, and to transport food back to their communities after a successful hunt. They were used to transport people and camp supplies while following migrating prey, and to travel over land faster and quicker in the winter than a person was able to do on foot.
In the summer, instead of pulling sleds, dogs pulled packs and bags tied to them with leather straps to aid in the movement of the community as they followed food and prey.
The Inuit and Their Dogs
An Alaskan Malamute. (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)
As a result of their heavy dependence on the qimmiq, or dog, for transport and survival, the Inuit possessed a deep respect for and attachment to the dogs they bred. In addition to being pack animals and the Inuit’s primary mode of transportation, dogs assisted the Inuit in hunting by sniffing out seal holes and holding the attention of polar bears or walruses while hunters attempted to kill them. Dogs were also valuable as protection, alerting community members to the approach of strangers or animals far before humans were able to perceive them.
There are a number of dog breeds that originated with the Inuit people, including the Canadian Eskimo Dog, the Greenland Dog, the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute. As a result of their common wolf ancestry, these breeds are often collectively referred to as “Huskies”. In general, the Inuit prized striking, beautiful dogs with full, healthy coats and clear, bright eyes. The stronger, more striking, energetic and intelligent the dog, the more valuable it was to the Inuit. When new pups were born, the Inuit would perform rituals to ensure the dogs would grow up with favorable qualities. Noses were gently pricked with bone pins or needles to give the dog a good sense of smell, and legs were pulled to help the pups grow into tall and strong adults.
Inuit Art and Clothing
Inuit Women’s Parka (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)
The Inuit used materials they were able to collect from the land and from hunting to make clothing and pieces of art. Small totems, usually small carvings of animals and people, were historically used as ornamentation on everyday items or in rituals to bless infants, people or animals. Most Inuit art did not have spiritual significance; they were used to embellish everyday items and personal property in order to make them more visually attractive.
Driftwood, bone, sinew and soapstone were the most popular traditional materials. Walrus bone was an important material as it was used to create most of the Inuit’s hunting and building tools. Sharp knives and spears were carved from walrus bone and used in hunting and skinning animals. Needles carved from bone and threads made from animal sinews (tendons, ligaments and connective tissue of the gut) were used to sew skins for clothing and shelter.
The Inuit were able to stay warm in the harsh Alaska and polar climates by creating clothing and footwear that were sewn with the fur side of skins turned inward, providing an insulating layer of air that was kept warm by the body. Another layer might be sewn back to back, but the skin side was most always exposed to the elements. This “smooth” leather side was periodically treated with fish oil, creating a waterproof, effective windbreak and keeping the warm air generated by the body on the inside of the garment. Many Europeans and Americans who outfitted themselves with Inuit clothing were pleasantly surprised by its incredible warmth and comfort.
The anorak’s design was similar throughout all Inuit peoples. It contained covering for the chest, arms, shoulders, upper legs and head. The hood, arms and bottoms contained drawstrings made of leather chords to allow a person to keep the wind from getting inside. The amauti, or women’s anorak, was sewn with a larger hood and looser upper back area, allowing for women to carry their children on their backs inside their clothing in order to keep them warm and protect them from frostbite.
Today, Inuit art has expanded to include modern materials and textiles, like metals, other soft stones, cotton, wool and numerous woods. Many Inuit artists create art and clothing based on traditional designs, and embellish them with traditional carvings and newly translated forms of traditional designs. Metal and stone animals and people depicted in different activities, particularly hunting, are popular, as are woven items like baskets, and carved bones items like knives or sculpture. Song and dance is also extremely popular, and many Inuit celebrations draw large crowds who come to watch traditional Inuit entertainers.
Food
Being peoples that lived primarily in waterfront and beach areas, the Inuit were traditional hunters and fishermen. The majority of their diet consisted of protein and fat and very little carbohydrate. They hunted a number of animals native to Alaska and the arctic: whales, walrus, caribou, seal, polar bear, muskoxen, birds and occasionally Arctic Foxes. When available, they gathered plants, the most popular being edible grasses, tubers, roots, berry and seaweed.
In the 1920’s, the Inuit were the subject of a now famous dietary experiment, when a Caucasian anthropologist by the name of Vilhjalmur Stefansson lived with a family and studied their eating habits. Participating in their customary meals for an extended period of time, Vilhjalmur noted that although most of their calories came from fat, he did not observe any adverse effects on their health or his own. Vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, were obtained through the consumption of all edible parts of the animals they killed, including Ringed Seal liver and whale skins. His studies were met with skepticism at the time, but in the years since, have been re-examined and confirmed, and his initial study laid the ground for modern diets like the Atkins Diet, which promote low carbohydrate intake and increased protein and fat consumption.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inuit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inuit#Cultural_history
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inuit_art
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Eskimo_family_with_Malamute_from_1915.JPG
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Early_20th_Century_Inuit_parka_%28UBC%29.jpg
This is part 1 of a 2 part series entitled “Native Cultures of Coastal Alaska: The Tlingit and the Inuit.”
Read Part 2
Along with spectacular waterfront and mountain views, pristine lakes and rivers, abundant wildlife and natural attractions, Juneau, Alaska is also known for its rich native culture. Influencing everything from clothing and jewelry for sale in the local shops, to local culinary delights, to the reverence many Alaskan’s hold for their property, land and wildlife, the native people of Southeast Alaska played a prominent role in the development of the diverse culture many visitors now enjoy in Alaska’s capital city.
Far before Europeans, Americans and Russians discovered and influenced the then remote land now known as Alaska, the area was home to a diverse population of native peoples. The two most influential cultures in the Juneau area were the Tlingit and the Inuit.
The Tlingit
The Tlingit are a race of indigenous people from the remote Pacific Northwest Coast. At their peak, their territory
A Tlingit woman and her son dressed in traditional Tlingit clothing.
ranged along the Pacific Coast from southern British Columbia to areas north of Juneau, Alaska and included the temperate rainforest of southeast Alaska and the Alexander Archipelago. In their native tongue, the name they give themselves is “Ligit”, which translates as “People of the Tides.” They are a matrilineal society, meaning they trace their lineage through their maternal ancestors, including inheritance and transfer of wealth. They are historically a hunter/gatherer culture, subsisting on foodstuffs from wild plants and animals rather than from domesticated versions of either.
Culture
The Tlingit culture is complex and multifaceted in nature, characteristic of most North West Pacific Coast peoples with easy access to rich, waterfront resources. They place heavy emphasis on family and kinship and have a rich oratory tradition, with many stories reflecting their system of beliefs and values. Material wealth brings status, but so does “good behavior”. Generosity and proper manners are considered marks of “good breeding” and suppose aristocratic ties.
Spirituality is incorporated into all aspects of their culture, specifically through artistic embellishment. All objects, even everyday items like spoons and bowls, are intricately carved and lovingly produced, as the Tlingit believe that all things, even wood and stone, are imbued with spiritual power and should be honored accordingly. (This tradition is reflected in many of the traditional Tlingit objects you can find for sale in Juneau’s art galleries and gift shops and accounts for the popularity of their artwork).
Every member of the Tlingit people can trace their ancestry to one of two “moieties” or descendent lines: the Raven
Hoonah, Alaska, a Tlingit community on Chichagof Island near Juneau, Alaska. The port there is also known as Port Frederick. © iStockPhoto.com
and the Eagle. Each of these lines has divided over time into “house groups”, or clans. Each group has it’s own heraldic crest made up of images of animals, spirits, objects and unique designs and these are carved and displayed on totem poles, canoes, dishes, house posts, weavings, jewelry and other art.
Totem Poles
Along with other nearby peoples, the Tlingit created tall wood
A Tlingit totem pole. © iStockPhoto.com
carvings out of cedar trees to represent the spirits of their houses and to document an individual’s or family’s status within a village. Called “totem poles”, these works of art were thought to have originated as artistically carved support poles used in the interior of houses. Because cedar decays readily in the Pacific Northwest, few poles from the 1800’s or before remain, and only a handful survive in Canadian museums. As a result, the origins of the Tlingit totem pole are not clearly documented or understood.
Iron tools became more popular among the Tlingit during American and European trade exploration of remote Southeastern Alaska in the mid and late 1800’s. As a result, totem poles became more popular because iron tools made them easier to make. Members of local tribes became wealthy off the burgeoning fur-trade and house leaders commissioned carvings of larger, more impressive poles that were then placed outside their homes as symbols of status and prosperity.
At about the same time, Christian missionaries, who were disconcerted with the Totem Pole’s spiritual symbolism and considered them objects of heathen worship (though in fact they were never objects of worship), urged converts to cease production and destroy existing poles. American and Canadian public policy also encouraged the assimilation and conversion of native cultures and the dismantling of those culture’s systems of beliefs, including symbolism. As a result, the art of Totem pole carving underwent a dramatic decline at the end of the 1800’s and almost became a lost art.
In the mid 20th century, a linguistic and artistic revival of native Tlingit culture was inspired by scholars who scrutinized the wisdom of eradicating native practices, beliefs and art, and pushed for a more educated and empathetic public. The art of totem pole carving enjoyed a revival, and was extended to other mediums, including jewelry, glass and stone.
Today, there are a number of successful native artists who carve totem poles on a commissioned basis. The process takes 6 to 12 months, and commissions usually start in the 10’s of thousands of dollars. Because the process is painstaking and requires a master’s skill, the price of a totem pole is the artist’s primary means of income during the commissioned period.
Though there is a common belief that vertical order of imagery is of profound importance in a totem pole carving, it is in fact not true. Each artist has always the freedom to place the most important symbols in whatever vertical order they wish. Some place the most important symbols at the top, others at the bottom, and others in the middle. The erroneous belief that the most important symbols were always placed at the top gave rise to the popular English phrase “low man on the totem pole”.
Totem poles used for public ridicule are called “shame poles”. They are usually erected when one house has not made
A Tlingit man dressed in ceremonial clothing and mask. © iStockPhoto.com
good on a debt from another. Shame poles are erected on the shamed house’s property, usually on land owned by the house’s leader and often next to his dwelling, and are left in place as a visual reminder of the house’s dishonorable actions until the debt is paid. A shame pole was erected in Cordova, Alaska in March of 2007 and depicts the upside down and distorted face of Exxon Ex-CEO Lee Raymond. It represents the still unpaid debt courts ordered Exxon to pay the Alaskan people affected by the oil spill in Valdez, Alaska.
Native Tlingit Philosophy and Religion
The Tlingit are traditionally animist, meaning they believe objects other than people, including animals, land, water and weather, have spirits or souls. This philosophy profoundly effects their traditional beliefs and rituals, and is reflected in their language, architecture, arts, crafts, and social interactions.
Before hunting animals, Tlingit hold rituals to purify themselves so they are properly prepared to meet spirits released from animals they kill. Properly preparing oneself and paying reverence to each spirit they release means the spirit will not be angered, so balance and harmony is preserved and vengeful spirits will not haunt the hunters or their families.
Shamans, which are usually men, learn over years to commune with these spirits, asking them to aid in the cure of disease, to increase the success of hunting, to influence the weather or other naturally occurring phenomenon, and to protect people against bad luck, evil spirits and witchcraft.
Tlingit Conversion to Christianity
In the late 1800’s, many Tlingit converted to Orthodox Christianity when they lost faith in their Shamans who were unable to successfully treat outbreaks of Old World diseases like Smallpox. These diseases were brought to the Tlingit people by American and European frontiersman and fur traders. Russian missionaries translated their scriptures into the Tlingit language and it is thought that the Tlingit chose Orthodox Christianity over Presbyterianism, because Presbyterianism was associated with the Americans and therefore with the outbreak of disease.
While belief in traditional Tlingit philosophies and religious beliefs are uncommon today, many contemporary Tlingit, particular young adults, are reconciling their culture’s traditional beliefs with Christianity in order to embrace their ancient ancestry and identity.
The Tlingit Language
Complex in grammar and well known for using rare phonemes (types of sounds), there are only 200-400 native Tlingit speakers left on the planet today. Alarmed at the prospect of losing the Tlingit’s important oral tradition, many local Alaskan and Canadian programs now exist to revive and preserve the language and thereby a large part of the Tlingit’s native culture. Many colleges now offer Tlingit courses, and local communities offer continuing education classes that teach conversational Tlingit.
Food
Food was central to the native Tlingit culture. Though tidal waterfronts and beaches in their native homeland yield a rich and diverse source of foodstuffs, it was considered a sign of poverty to eat only things that thrived on the waterfront or beach. Spiritually, the native Tlingit believed food from the waterfront or beach weakened one spiritually, so men avoided eating it before strenuous activity, like hunting or fighting. Salmon, halibut, shellfish, herring and eulachon were staples in the traditional Tlingit diet, which was supplemented by seal, sea otter, deer, bear, mountain goat and other small mammals. Seaweed, salmonberry, soap berry and currants were gathered from native plants and used to prepare a large number of dishes, a few of which are the inspirations for dishes offered in local waterfront restaurants in modern downtown Juneau.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tlingit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Totem_pole
http://www.alaska-cruise-advisor.com/totem-pole.html
http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Sr-Z/Tlingit.html
This article, An Insider’s Guide to Dining in Juneau, Alaska, is part 3 of a 3 part series entitled An Insider’s Guide to Juneau, Alaska: The Arts, Shopping and Dining.
Read Part 1 and Part 2
Dining in Juneau
Alaska is considered a remote and simple place by many, mostly by people who’ve never actually traveled there and have heard or seen romanticized stories of rugged land, frozen lakes, cold waterfronts and cloud-crowned, snowy peaks. And while yes, that Alaska does in fact exist, it is not the only Alaska people might experience. There are places in Alaska that possess a surprising level of refinement and sophistication and offer varied amenities to visitors. Whether it’s enjoying a fine spa or resort, touring gorgeous luxury waterfront property, discovering numerous treasures in unique shops, or taking in a masterfully performed opera, concert or play, there is far more to Alaska than its obvious natural beauty and splendor.
Unbeknownst to many, Juneau, Alaska (the state’s capital) is home to many of these surprises, including a large array of wonderful Alaskan dining experiences that offer local seafood specialties. Ranging from simple to classically elegant, you can find whatever your palette desires and more, usually within a reasonable walk from the downtown waterfront district.
Fine Dining
The Gold Room
Dubbed the “Jewel of Juneau”, the Westmark Baranof Hotel was built to rival the most lavish hotels of the day. A historic property, The Baranof serves as home for visitors and dignitaries from around the world as well as legislators and corporate travelers doing business in Juneau. Located downtown within walking distance of the capitol, cruise ship docks, shops and state offices, treat yourself to a meal in the Baranof’s renowned Gold Room, a white linen restaurant that offers the finest dining experience in Juneau – and quite possibly – in all of Alaska.
The Gold Room offers an intimate, sophisticated atmosphere that is as comfortable as it is elegant. An art deco motif (in suitably golden hues) is complimented by beautifully presented meals, works of visual art as much as they are culinary masterpieces. Executive Chef David Morehead created his signature Alaskan dish – Halibut Macadamia – during his current 8-year tenure at the Gold Room. A delectable combination of seared fresh Halibut covered in butter sauce and roasted macadamia nuts, it is served with roasted garlic Yukon Gold potatoes. For those that crave red meat, the Gold Room is also famous for its Black Angus filet, a sinfully tender cut served in a demi-glaze with prosciutto wrapped asparagus and roasted garlic Yukon Gold potatoes. Offering a wide variety of meals that accommodate all diets, including vegetarian (the tempura battered asparagus is another unique and delectable creation), the Gold Room’s finely trained wait staff offers service as excellent as the food. If you want to stop in to simply enjoy a cocktail or appetizer, visit the adjoining Bubble Room lounge to experience this historic property’s famous ambiance and architecture.
Reservations for dining are recommended. In addition to the main dining room which seats 60, the Gold Room offers private rooms for parties of up to 18 people.
Waterfront/Waterview Dining
The Hangar on the Wharf
Juneau, Alaska is all about fantastic waterfront and mountain views, and The Hangar on the Wharf is no exception. Taking advantage of its prime waterfront property location, this local restaurant favorite is aptly named as it occupies what used to be an old seaplane hangar. Built on pilings extending out into and over the water, the restaurant offers the best view Juneau has to offer. On sunny warm days, visitors can dine on the outside deck in the company of spectacular views of Mount Jumbo, Mount Roberts and the mouth of the Taku River.
The Hangar on the Wharf is located in Juneau’s historic Merchants Wharf Mall which used to be the home of Alaska Coastal Airlines in the 1940′s. The seaplane hangar is a landmark in aviation history. Famous pilots such as Will Rogers used to land their aircraft in front of the Hangar during their great northern expeditions. The restaurant’s photo gallery museum contains many historic photos for guests to peruse.
Established in 1996, The Hangar offers a comfortable, casual dining experience. Though its menu is diverse, its most popular dishes are delicious local seafood creations. If you’re hungering for King Crab Legs, Alaskan Salmon or other delicacies from lake or ocean and want to enjoy them in a family-friendly dining atmosphere, this is the place to visit. Also famous for its large variety of microbrews, The Hanger’s pub boasts over 100 beers for sale, with over 20 on tap and a full service bar.
T.K. Maguire’s
Located in The Prospector Hotel, T.K Maguire’s is a casual restaurant that is popular with the locals and enjoys the reputation of having “Juneau’s Best Friday Buffet.” Completely renovated in December of 2007, T.K. Maguire’s most popular dish is their Prime Rib, with their Alaskan King Crab (served both for lunch and dinner) following a very close second. Their menu contains many local seafood favorites, and is varied enough to offer delicious entrees to suit all tastes and preferences.
The dining room features views of the Gastineau Channel, Douglas Island and the Juneau waterfront as well as a gallery of historical mining photos from the State Historical Collection.
T.K.’s Pub, the adjoining lounge, is equipped with 3 bigscreen TVs so you can catch the Big Game or catch up on breaking news, and is furnished with oversized leather couches and chairs for a truly relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Twisted Fish Company
The Twisted Fish Company specializes in fresh fish and seafood and offers waterfront views. Located next to the Mount Roberts Tramway in the Taku Smokeries building in downtown Juneau, the atmosphere is casual with a touch of elegance that makes it wonderful for both daytime and evening dining. Guests are treated to views of floatplanes landing and taking off from the Gastineau Channel. Unique to the Twisted Fish Company are Open Exhibition Kitchens, so you can watch as expert chefs prepare your meals.
Popular dishes include Alaskan Wild Salmon, Halibut and King Crab Legs with a wide variety of other entrees, salads and pastas. The restaurant’s bar offers the largest wine bar in Southeast Alaska with over 40 different wines available by the bottle or glass. Open seasonally from May through September, the restaurant services guests from 11 am to 10 pm seven days a week.
Cultural Dining
Alaskan Luau
There are many cultural similarities between the indigenous peoples of Polynesia and the indigenous peoples of Alaska. In celebration of this unusual kinship, the Alaskan Luau restaurant offers a mix of authentic dishes and live entertainment from each culture for a unique dining experience.
Family owned, the Alaskan Luau features “Legendary Drums”, a live drum and dance show that tells “a story that unites the cultures of Polynesia with the Alaskan Tlingit.” Drums are important forms of expression in each culture, particularly in ceremonies of celebration. “Legendary Drums” will take you on a journey through time as it tells the story of two nations separated for hundreds of years and then joyfully reunited in song and dance.
Specializing in native Alaskan and Polynesian food, the Alaskan Luau offers delicacies like butter dipped Alaskan Crab, Huli Huli Chicken and Kalua Pig. Food is offered in a lavish buffet, and seating is banquet style in a large hall that contains the dance stage. Pricing is dependent on whether you dine, see the show, or both. Children under 6 are free. Alaskan Luau is located on Egan Drive near the waterfront and Cruise Ship docks. Shows usually run Monday through Friday in the evenings, and reservations are recommended.
There is also a gift shop on the premises with many handmade cultural gifts for sale, as well.
Casual Dining
Tracy’s King Crab Shack
Tracy’s King Crab Shack isn’t really a restaurant, though you can sit down next to the waterfront and enjoy amazing, fresh Alaskan King Crab and other crab delicacies (like Crab Cake sand Tracy’s famous King Crab Bisque) right next to Tracy’s large, outdoor pushcart kitchen. Open only in the summers (understandably) from May through September, Tracy’s King Crab Shack is a famous local venue where you can purchase King Crab legs individually and eat as many as your stomach can handle. Tracy’s King Crab Shack serves all manner of king crab dishes, but the eating isn’t fork, knife and plate style, it’s paper, napkins and finger style. Don’t let the causal demeanor of this outdoor kitchen fool you though, the tastes of Tracy’s concoctions rival many of the best seafood restaurants in the area. Mentions in Food & Wine Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler and Maxim testify to Tracy’s culinary genius. And if you want to take some of his amazing creations home with you, Tracy will happily pack and ship them to your front door.
Located at 356 S. Franklin Street in Juneau, Tracy’s King Crab Shack is hard to miss. You’ll find just southeast of downtown and located adjacent to the cruise ship docks. Just look for lots of smiling folks milling about and happily munching on giant King Crab legs.
Thane Ore House Salmon Bake
If you’re looking something with a decidedly “Alaskan Outdoors” flair, then look no further than the Thane Ore House Salmon Bake. Dubbed a “dining experience” rather than a “restaurant”, the Thane Ore House Salmon Bake has been in business for 25 years and offers unique outdoor seating (though heated indoor seating is available on rainy days). Located in the historic town site of Thane, you’ll enjoy fresh wild king and sockeye salmon, baked to perfection, along with delicious, moist wild halibut. A large help-yourself salad bar and homemade side dishes compliment your entree. Seating is picnic style: large seat benches and tables are situated on the waterfront with beautiful views of ocean and mountains. After your meal, you might enjoy walking the beach, relaxing by the fireplace, chatting to the staff about the local history, or touring the Thane Ore House Salmon Bake Museum which houses maps, tools, photos and other objects from the famous Alaska Gastineau Mine. Free transportation is provided from Juneau’s cruise ship docks and downtown hotels.
Sources:
http://www.traveljuneau.com/cms/d/dining.php
http://www.westmarkhotels.com/juneau.php
http://hangar.hangaronthewharf.com/
http://www.alaskanluau.com/#!
http://www.prospectorhotel.com/restaurant.htm
http://www.thaneorehouse.com/index.html
http://www.kingcrabshack.com/
http://twistedfish.hangaronthewharf.com/
This article, An Insider’s Guide to the Shopping in Juneau, Alaska, is part 2 of a 3 part series entitled An Insider’s Guide to Juneau, Alaska: The Arts, Shopping and Dining.
Read Part 1
Shopping in Juneau
Whether you’re shopping for art, keepsakes, crafts, clothing, culinary delights or just the fun odd or end, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the number of unique and delightful treasures that await you in Juneau, Alaska, the state’s capital and cultural hub.
Art
The breathtaking beauty of the local land and waterfront inspire many artists to create equally beautiful works of art that reflect the unique natural and cultural richness of the Juneau, Alaska area. Visitors to Juneau are often amazed at the wide selection of highly refined art and sculpture available for sale, particularly in the downtown waterfront property area and in the Mendenhall Valley shopping district, both of which boasts many art galleries and workshops.
Woodcarvings created using traditional methods developed by the native Alaskan peoples are beautiful examples of how art, nature, culture and spirit can harmoniously co-exist in a single piece. Totem poles, bowls and wooden sculptures of local wildlife are popular among serious collectors and Alaska tourists alike.
The Mt. Juneau Trading Post is a generations old family business run by Native Alaskans that specializes in wooden Alaskan Indian and Eskimo art. They also sell handmade shoes, clothing, jewelry and other one-of-a-kind pieces.
Metal and glass sculptures ranging from traditional to modern can be found for sale in local galleries, and even dot downtown property. Though their styles may differ, they all share a profound respect and reverence for the natural splendor and richness that is unique to the Juneau, Alaska area.
Copyright 2010-2011 Daniel Buckscott, Wilderness Peaks Gallery
The grandeur of local waterways, mountains and waterfront property, and the awe-inspiring beauty of native
wildlife have drawn many professional photographers to the area, and there is no shortage of their works for sale. A popular shopping choice for many tourists, photographic works of art allow visitors to take home a piece of their cherished Alaskan experience. Wilderness Peaks Gallery features the work of photographer Daniel Buckscott who is renown for his “breathtaking photographs of landscapes, wildlife and outdoor adventures” from many parts of Alaska.
Fine pieces of art done in oils, watercolors and acrylics are also favorite keepsakes and it’s no surprise that Juneau is home to many highly skilled fine artists whose gorgeous works are equally as compelling and moving as their photographic counterparts. In addition, mixed media and textile art is available for sale and captures Alaska’s proud heritage. The Bentwood and Bead Gallery property is located within easy walking distance of the waterfront shopping district. It features the work of several local artists and includes beaded art, moccasins, bags, jewelry, wood sculptures, relief and wood engraved prints, carved top boxes, felted hats, cable mats, willow baskets, trade bead jewelry, handmade folk dolls, original watercolors and prints along with many other items.
Plan to spend a full day wandering around downtown (particularly near the waterfront), and in the Mendenhall Valley shopping district to discover all the many wonderful surprises the artists of Juneau have in store for you. Make a point of visiting The Juneau Artists Gallery in downtown Juneau to see a little bit of everything. Housing multiple artists, the gallery boasts the work of individual artists from the Juneau, Alaska area. Many of the artist displays include spaces that offer free workshops and demonstrations and the sale of certain items support local community activities.
Jewelry & Gifts
The beautiful allure of the waterfront and lush mountain scenery inspires jewelry designs that range from strings of natural river polished stones to cascading chains of silver. Carved silver bracelets capture the mystery and splendor of totemic carvings. One of a kind ring designs, from casual silver bands to sumptuous precious gem elegance, can be found in the many jewelry shops that dot the city.
“HotDog” pin by William Spear
World famous pin designer William Spear calls Juneau, Alaska his home and his shop “Wm Spear Design” on his South Franklin Street property (right on the waterfront) boasts over 800 unique pin designs for sale. Most visitors (and locals alike) don’t leave downtown without at least one visit.
The Jade Shop on South Franklin street (again on the waterfront) stocks one of the largest collections of jade goods on the continent. Stunning jewelry is accompanied by sculptural masterpieces, collectible gifts and souvenirs. The shop mines its own jade from two mines located 110 miles east of Juneau in the mountains of British Columbia, and all designs are hand created by world renowned jade artists.
You’ll find silver and copper jewelry, wood carvings, masks, mugs, drums, books and clothing that all feature Native artwork and totemic designs for sale at Jinéit, a store run by Sealaska Heritage Institute. Located in the Sealaska Plaza lobby, proceeds from the sale of items help fund local area cultural programs.
Glacier Smoothie Soaps
If you’re looking for something decidedly different and “Alaskan Made” then prepare to be delighted: Glacier Smoothie Soaps sell unique, handmade and abundantly fragrant soaps, all of which contain genuine glacial silt from Alaska’s glaciers. The soft, hand-sifted silt gently exfoliates and smoothes the skin, leaving a rosy, fresh afterglow. Glacier Smoothie Soaps won the 2008 Manufacturer of the Year Award from the Alaska Department of Commerce for their “Made in Alaska” program, which recognizes businesses that artfully utilize local ingredients and labor to make outstanding products. They also won the Juneau Empire’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best Gift Shop in 2010. Glacier Smoothie Soaps are so unique, they’re patented and available only from this Junea, Alaska family business. Also on South Franklin Street on the waterfront, Glacier Smoothie Soaps’ retail property is adjacent to the Juneau Public Library and is an easy walk from the Cruise Ship docks.
Culinary
When people think of culinary treats from Alaska, they usually think of salmon first, and with good reason. Alaska is one of the world’s top producers of salmon and the fish is a cornerstone of the Alaskan economy. Salmon are commercially grown and shipped all over the world. Wild salmon are also harvested, though their numbers are carefully regulated. Sport fishermen from all over come to fish Alaska’s rivers during the famous “salmon runs” that occur in the breeding season. Juneau is famous for its smoked salmon, and most salmon providers will pack (in ice) and ship their fresh smoked Alaskan Salmon anywhere in the world.
Alaskan Fudge Company delectable culinary creations
When the palate begs for something sweet, Juneau, Alaska won’t disappoint. Home to a number of famous confectioners, Juneau’s sweet shops include the Alaskan Fudge Company, which produces the “world’s finest fudge”. Made from wholesome, natural ingredients, Alaskan Fudge Company’s products are rich, creamy delights that can trace their origins back to an 1800’s era recipe for thick chocolate fondue.
The Alaskan Brewing Company in Lemon Creek offers complimentary samples of their famous local brews along with guided tasting tours. Their sister store, Alaskan Brewing Co. Depot on their Juneau waterfront property offers a complete selection of clothing, outerwear, barware, gourmet items that compliment their world class beers and other fun gifts. It also has a second floor that provides a virtual tour of the brewery and the histories of their award-winning brews and crew.
And if caffeine is your weakness, don’t miss the Heritage Coffee Company and Café located on the waterfront on South Franklin Street, where a plethora of fine coffee blends from all over the world are offered for sale. A “Roast to Order” 
business, Heritage does not warehouse roasted coffees. Each premium coffee is roasted individually after orders are received and then dated, ensuring the highest quality product available. Individual coffee drinks and tasty accompaniments are available for sampling in the café. Winner of the prestigious Presidential Award from the President of Costa Rica, Heritage Coffee Company also practices and promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly business practices, both locally and with their business partners around the world.
Read Part 3
Sources:
http://www.traveljuneau.com/cms/d/shopping.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salmon
http://www.jademine.com/index.html
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mtjuneautradingpost#
http://www.alaskanfudge.com/
http://www.glaciersmoothie.com/
http://www.sealaskaheritage.org/shop/index.html
http://wildernesspeaks.photoshelter.com/
http://www.traveljuneau.com/listings/moreInfo.php?ID=45129
http://www.alaskanbeer.com/home.html
http://www.traveljuneau.com/listings/index.php
This article, An Insider’s Guide to the Arts in Juneau Alaska, is part 1 of a 3 part series entitled An Insider’s Guide to Juneau, Alaska: The Arts, Shopping and Dining.
Juneau, Alaska is a modern, cosmopolitan city nestled in a pristine rainforest located in Southeastern Alaska on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Often warmer than people anticipate, the temperatures average just above freezing in the winter to highs in the 70’s during the summer months. A breathtakingly beautiful place, Juneau offers visitors and residents the best of both modern conveniences and natural splendor. (more…)
As the capital of Alaska, Juneau boasts a myriad of natural and man-made splendors, as well as the finest luxury vacation destinations in the state. Juneau was ranked as the #11 city in the nation for living by MSNBC. The rankings were based on a “quality of life” rating that took factors like affluence, price and quantity of luxury real estate, education, employment rate, commuting time, and easy access to recreation into consideration. The study was performed by the American City Business Journal, which also recommended Juneau as a great city in which to retire. (more…)
What exactly is Luxury Real Estate? When people hear the term, they often conjure images of large, sprawling manors nestled cozily on well manicured lots the size of small US states, and in many cases their imagined palaces are indeed apt examples. However in reality, there are many more factors involved in earning the rank of “luxury” than size alone. In fact, size is not even a requirement for luxury membership. The ultimate barometer for a piece of luxury real estate is well known in real estate investment circles: location, location, location. (more…)
Weather in Alaska
Weather will obviously play a large role in what you choose to pack for your Alaskan vacation. The time of year you visit will significantly affect the weather you will experience, as will the areas to which you travel. In general, Western Alaska tends to be cold and stormy while Southeastern Alaska is warmer, though still rainy. South-Central Alaska generally experiences the mildest temperatures, but can sometimes be wet. Northern Alaska is usually quite chilly year round while the Interior is warm in the summer but extremely cold in the winter. (more…)
Are you an Alaskan Cruiser?
Alaska has amazing scenery, incredibly rich history and native cultures, wonderfully modern shopping and dining and a natural, unspoiled splendor that few places on earth can best. For most people, deciding to vacation in Alaska isn’t an issue: there’s so much to do and see, the question isn’t “Should we vacation in Alaska?” but rather “How do we best experience all the treasures Alaska has to offer within a specific budget and timeline?” Besides the breathtaking natural beauty of Mount McKinley, the famous Inuit people and their gorgeous artistic creations, and the iconic Iditarod dogsledding race, Alaska is famous for much, much more. In fact, Juneau, Alaska is one of the most intriguing urban cities in the United States and as a result is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Americas. (more…)
For hundreds of thousands of year’s native Indians called the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian were the only occupiers of Southeast Alaska. They had lived comfortably in what is now called Auke Bay. They were very successful fishermen, had a wealth of resources and led a peaceful, abundant and quiet life. That is until the late 1800’s when Juneau’s gold-mining history began. George Pilz, a mining engineer from Sitka, which was the capital of Alaska during that time, put out a reward to anyone who could show him gold ore. The then chief of the Tlingit was able to find gold ore and presented it to Pilz who sent Juneau co-founders Richard Harris and Joe Juneau prospecting for the gold ore source. Thanks to the Tlingit natives, they found the source and started an enormous gold rush in Alaska’s Gastineau Channel which made Juneau, Alaska a very popular destination for travelers. (more…)
