'Identity through Pride': Festivities on Prince of Wales Island unite Alaskan Haidas By BETHANY GOODRICH The communities of Kasaan and Hydaburg are inarguably distinct. They are separated by almost 80 miles of road and differ dramatically in population size: Hydaburg is home to more than 300 residents, Kasaan less than 60. A closer look, however, reveals a deep taproot connecting both by a common culture; Kasaan and Hydaburg are the only Haida communities in Alaska. This connection is especially evident during summer days. The air is pungent with alder smoke escaping from timeworn smokehouses and the docks and waters are crowded with families and friends returning from trips pulling sockeye from local spots. Prince of Wales Island is bustling with activity and annual festivities are held to reunite friends and families from both communities in celebrations of Haida culture. I attended two of those events, the Kasaan Community Harvest and the Hydaburg Culture Camp, in late July. Read more at : http://m.juneauempire.com/art/2015-08-05/identity-through-pride-festivities-prince-wales-island-unite-alaskan-haidas#gsc.tab=0
