Kichx̱áan—known today as Ketchikan—rests on the ancestral lands of the Tlingit, specifically the Saanya Kwaan and Taanta Kwaan clans. For thousands of years, the Tlingit people lived in balance with the forests, ocean, and rivers of Revillagigedo Island, relying on fishing, carving, clan governance, and oral traditions to sustain a rich cultural life. The name “Ketchikan,” derived from the Tlingit language, is often translated as “the thundering wings of an eagle,” reflecting the deep spiritual connection to the natural world.

 

By the late 1800s and early 1900s, Haida and Tsimshian peoples had also established communities in the Ketchikan area. The Haida originally came from Haida Gwaii in present-day British Columbia and migrated to Southeast Alaska, especially Hydaburg and Kasaan on Prince of Wales Island. Known for their bold art, towering totem poles, and skilled seafaring, the Haida brought with them a powerful cultural legacy.

 

The Tsimshian arrived from Metlakatla, Alaska’s only Indian reservation, which was established in 1887 after their relocation from British Columbia. Led by missionary William Duncan, the Tsimshian sought to preserve their community while navigating colonial pressures. Tsimshian culture is rooted in Sm’algya̱x language, clan-based governance, and intricate ceremonial practices.

 

The Ketchikan Indian Community (KIC) was formally organized under the Indian Reorganization Act in 1934 and federally recognized in 1939. Since then, KIC has grown into a sovereign Tribal government that serves a multitribal membership. In its early years, KIC supported economic development through investments in fishing and local enterprises. Today, KIC provide vital services in healthcare, housing, education, and cultural preservation.

 

A key milestone in KIC’s journey was the creation of the Ketchikan Tribal Business Corporation (KTBC), the Tribe’s economic arm. KTBC drives self-determination and economic independence by pursuing diverse business ventures in government contracting, facilities management, health services, IT and cybersecurity consulting, and more. KTBC’s success generates revenue, creates jobs, and reinvests in the Tribal community—ensuring that KIC’s cultural values and economic sovereignty thrive for generations to come.

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As Southeast Alaska Native peoples, the KIC community continues to honor our ancestors by protecting our heritage and building a strong future. The spirit of our people lives on in every drumbeat, every carved formline, and every Native child learning our languages. This is our home—and our story is still unfolding.