Mâ sá iyatì? = How are you?
Greetings in Tlingit

The present location of the Teslin village was a traditional summer campsite of Coastal Tlingit. Tlingit traders would travel over the Coast Mountains into the Southern Lakes area bringing fish oils, dried seaweed, dentalium shells and other products from the coast. Trading with the Tutchone and Tagish people of the Yukon interior, they received meat, hides, clothing, copper and furs from beaver, marten and other small game.

As trade patterns developed, the Tlingits found marriage partners in the interior and, as was the cultural custom, they joined their wife’s family in order to learn about a new hunting region. It was also acceptable for them to return to live among the husband’s people. The Tlingit traditions and culture are strongly practiced and taught today by the Teslin Tlingit. In the Tlingit language, Teslin means long narrow lake which refers to the Nałasìn River (Nisutlin River).

Photo: Teslin Tlingit Council

The Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre provides a venue for local artists and craftspeople to demonstrate their styles and abilities. Today, the rich art traditions of the Teslin Tlingit delight art lovers around the world. The tranquil setting of the Heritage Centre is an ideal place to experience Inland Tlingit culture and artistic traditions. The Centre prides itself on its gift shop and the quality of native arts and crafts. The Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre will put visitors and customers directly in touch with artisans. Call or drop by and learn more about Teslin Tlingit artists and their work.