“Haa léelk’w hás jooníx̱ haa sitee” translates to “We are our ancestor’s dreams” in the Lingit language. We come from a long line of resilient ancestors who fought hard for us to simply be in existence today and dreamed of a future where generations would speak our languages and practice our cultural ways of life. “
Elizah Dominy, 23, is a dedicated mother, community leader, and Tlingit Language knowledge holder. Elizah is one of the 9,000+ Tlingit & Haida citizens born and raised in Seattle, WA. Seeking to further connection to her culture, Elizah moved to Alaska where she attended the University of Alaska Southeast to study Alaska Native Studies and Languages. Since graduating and returning home, Elizah has dedicated herself to making sure Tlingit & Haida citizens living in Seattle have access to their culture, and representation in Tribal governance.
Colonialism, violence, and prejudicial policies perpetuated by both U.S. and Canadian governments resulted in Tlingit & Haida homelands being stolen and sold, dividing communities, and forcing Tlingit & Haida people to be relocated away from their ancestral lands where cultural connection and knowledge was lost. Elizah will leverage her leadership skills, knowledge and passion for her community to create culturally engaging opportunities for Tlingit & Haida youth.
“Haa léelk’w hás jooníx̱ haa sitee” stand to strengthen community bonds and heal ancestral wounds. Elizah plans to host several events, focused on Tlingit language and culture, including two Language revitalization workshops, a Family regalia-making workshop, and a Holiday Gift-away. All workshops will be free of charge to ensure cultural knowledge is accessible and available to all Seattle based Tlingit & Haida families, to ensure cultural traditions live on.
