[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 194 (Friday, December 16, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8730-S8731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING KAKE, ALASKA

 Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, today I wish to celebrate 100 
years of Kake, AK, as an incorporated first-class city. Kake Day, on 
January 8, 2012, will acknowledge the community's accomplishments, 
ranging from

[[Page S8731]]

government to education, as well as recognize the village as a Native 
community rich with history of the Kake Tlingit ways.
  The Tlingit people have inhabited the region of Kake for thousands of 
years, controlling the trade routes around Kuiu and Kupreanof islands, 
enjoying the territory, raising families, and living off the land. The 
Tlingit of the Kake region gained a reputation among early explorers as 
being strong and powerful. Some encounters with early European and 
American explorers have been documented by historians as resulting in 
occasional skirmishes.
  In the early part of the 20th century, Kake began to physically 
transform. Stores were built, a government school was installed, and a 
post office was established in 1904. Kake also became the first Native 
village to organize under Federal law, resulting in U.S. citizenship 
for community residents. In 1912, Kake was incorporated as a first-
class city government in the territory of Alaska. This event is now 
known as Kake Day, and it is the 100th anniversary of that event that I 
wish to commemorate today.
  Kake Day is not only a celebration of past accomplishments but also a 
celebration of the history of the Kake Tlingit ways. Kake has blended 
Western ways and the rich cultural traditions of its past to make Kake 
into the city it is today.
  Recognized tribes--the Organized Village of Kake and the Central 
Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska--are essential 
components of Kake, alongside entities such as the Inside Passage 
Electric Cooperative. Important food sources link the old and the new 
ways of life, including salmon, halibut, shellfish, deer, bear, 
waterfowl, and berries.
  Nearby, standing on a bluff overlooking Kake, is the world's largest 
totem pole, which serves as a reminder of the city's history and as a 
guide moving into the future. Standing at 132 feet, this properly 
sanctioned totem pole was carved by the Chilkats in 1967 for Alaska's 
centennial.
  On the 100 year celebration of Kake Day, Alaskans will enjoy a 
parade, a protocol workshop, and song and dance featuring Keex' Kwan 
dancers. I am sure the event will be memorable for all 
involved.

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