Pauline Duncan's Tlingit Curriculum Resources - Books

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A Sitka Herring Spawn Sitka, Alaska by Pauline Kookesh Duncan

 
Tlingit dancer is daughter Crystal Duncan

 

A Sitka Herring Spawn
by Pauline Kookesh Duncan

A full color picture book of the herring spawn in Sitka, Alaska.

The herring spawn is a traditional Southeast Alaska harvesting event that occurs in March or April, depending on when the herring lay their eggs. This book depicts the preparation for and harvesting of the eggs as it has been done by the Natives Tlingits of Southeast Alaska for hundreds of years.

The herring eggs can be either dried, salted, or stored in zip lock bags and frozen to be brought out and used for traditional events all during the year. They can be eaten fresh out of the water, or taken home and dipped in hot water for a few seconds before eating. Natives use them for herring egg salad and other traditional Native recipes.

"A Sitka Herring Spawn" was written by Pauline Duncan, a first grade Native teacher in Sitka, Alaska. Her Tlingit name is Gaaw and is of the Eagle-Bear Clan.

This book is dedicated to her five children, Melonie, Crystal, Lisa, Albert Peter, Paul, her two grandsons, Mitchell Boord, Alec Duncan and especially to her husband, Al Duncan for all his support with the Tlingit culture language.

Unless otherwise noted, all photos in this book were taken by Pauline Duncan. Any use or reproduction of this book and any photos therein is not allowed.

© 1993 by Pauline Duncan
Sitka, Alaska
Children of the Tideland
(907)747-6768

 

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