PUBLICATION FOR THE BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, ALASKA REGION

M+A Architects was asked by the Bureau of Indian Affairs to research, write, and illustrate a booklet that highlighted the rich cultural and historic heritage of the Village of Saxman, Alaska as part of their obligations under Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act.  The booklet acts as a preplanning document for cultural heritage tourism in the area as well as educating visitors about the history of the area. This small coastal community in Southeast Alaska just south of Ketchikan is home to the Saxman Totem Park, a collection of totem poles that tell the story of the Tlingit people who relocated to the area from their original villages. The park is an expression of a living culture that is shared with thousands of visitors each year.

For visitors, a walking tour and map was developed that identified cultural landscapes, historic buildings, and new buildings where traditional Tlingit arts are still practiced and can be visited.  Saxman remains a   center of authentic Tlingit culture, and the new native art pieces created in Saxman reflect the future of the culture. M+A Architects was responsible for the research, text, and photographs that were included in the publication.