
However, the most impressive part of visiting Ketchikan is seeing how connected the city is to the First Nations of Alaska. Here is some of the history of the local First Nation communities to prepare you for your visit!
The Ketchikan Creek flows through the middle of town, and both the town and the creek derive their name from the Tlingit name of the creek, Kitschk-hin. Historians believe the meaning of name is "The River Belonging to the Kitschk" or "Thundering Wings of an Eagle." With one of the most densely populated bald eagle populations in Alaska, it's not hard to image why the latter name might be correct.
Who are the First Nations of the Ketchikan area?

Haida Nation
The Haida territories span the Queen Charlotte Islands, the southern half of Prince of Wales Island and the southernmost Alaska Panhandle. The ancestral tribe language is classified as one of the Na-Dene languages. Na-Dene is a language family that includes Athabaskan, Eyak and Tlingit.The Haida society is known for their production of art, including ornate jewelry and Chillkat weaving. This traditional form of weaving creates ceremonial blankets often featuring bold colors and intricate designs. Their most well-known artistic creations are the Haida Totem poles.
Tlingit Nation
The Tlingit are indigenous of Alaska, the Yukon and British Columbia. Their rich culture holds an emphasis on family, kinship and oratory traditions. Within their culture, generosity and graciousness symbolize aristocracy as much as wealth and success.Tsimshian Nation
Tsimshian means "Inside the Skeena River," in reference to the location of the nation's territories. The community covered British Columbia and the Alaskan Terrace, down to the southernmost corner of Alaska, Annette Island.Tshimsian communities thrived on salmon and lived in permanent towns made up of cedar longhouses, large enough to house extended families. Art of the Tsimshian nation includes Chilkat weaving and cedar carved goods such as tools, armor and canoe skins.
Ketchikan First Nations Locations
The First Nations are active members of the Ketchikan community. There are some wonderful opportunities to visit and experience the culture of each of the nations. Here are just a few you may want to check out.Saxman Native Village

Photo Credit: Beautiful Brand New Day
The Village offers self or guided tours of the poles and also features Native dancing exhibitions and an on-site clan house. Native carvers using traditional tools and techniques can be viewed in action throughout carving sheds on the property.
Totem Bight State Historic Park

Photo Credit: Alaska in Pictures
The park has 15 totem poles and a traditional community clan house. The home exhibited at the center is a great representation of the typical village house in the early 19th century.
Totem Heritage Center

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor
The city museum not only teaches history but works to promote the traditional crafts and cultures of all 3 indigenous tribes. The center regularly hosts nationally praised art programs and other educational activities.
Potlatch Park

Photo Credit: Abigail's Attic
The Ketchikan Indian Community
The Ketchikan Indian Community is a non-profit organization located in Ketchikan. The KIC offers services to First Nations communities that include: health care, employment training, higher education and cultural community involvement. In August of 2015, the KIC dedicated a new totem pole at the Vigor Industrial shipyard. The newest hand-carved pole is 12 ft high and features men, women, a raven and an eagle.When planning your trip to Ketchikan, make sure to take time to learn about the First Nations of the area and enjoy the rich cultural experience the city has to offer. The history of the Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian people is easily found among the many sites and the tribes have created a warm and inviting environment to help guests and residents alike learn more about their culture.