Arriving at Haines by 6:00 am meant we had a full day to explore the Chilkat Valley, the area that encompasses the town. The expedition team lined up a slew of activities, giving guests a full range of options to experience this location: bike tours, hiking, fly fishing, river floats, and a photo walk.
To highlight one of the activities, the photo walk gave guests an assignment: tell the story of this town and region. The rich history of the Chilkat Tlingit, who have been here for thousands of years, and the recent introduction of colonizers makes for an interesting mix of culture, buildings, and decay. The photos were mostly focused around the Noow Hit Tribal House in Haines — the last remaining traditional Tlingit structure constructed in the Chilkat Valley. Photographing these contrasting designs, structures, and cultures helps highlight the history of the Tlingit in the southeast. The images associated with this article were taken by Certified Photography Instructor Brady Clarke with his interpretation of this assignment.
