Al Perkins

Al Perkins was interviewed on February 23, 1999 by Kristen Griffin and Robi Craig at the Sitka Tribe of Alaska office in Sitka, Alaska. At the time of this interview, Al Perkins was in his 70s and was the Kaa Tlein, or recognized "Big Man" of the Sitka Kiks.ádi clan. His white hair was neatly combed back from his face, and he was dressed in slacks and an untucked short-sleeve striped collared shirt. Like his dress, Al Perkins' demeanor and interview style were casual and comfortable, and he was eager to share his knowledge. Prior to recording this interview, Mr. Perkins requested that questions concerning the 1804 Battle and related events be addressed to Mr. Mark Jacobs Jr., whom Mr. Perkins respects as a Tlingit historian and a relative (though of a different clan, Mr. Jacobs is a Kiks.ádi daxcháan -- a grandchild of the Kiks.ádi clan). In this interview, Al talks about the history of the Sitka National Historical Park, the Kiks.ádi clan, the community of Sitka, and other historical and ethnographical topics pertaining to Tlingit culture and Sitka. He also talks about his plans and preparations to commission the carving of a new totem pole to be raised at the Sitka National Historical Park Fort Site to commemorate "Chief Katlian." This unique pole depicting Raven clan crests from several different communities was raised in the fall of 1999 after considerable coordination by Mr. Perkins and generous donations from Tlingit clans, Native corporations, private companies and individuals. Mr. Perkins spent a great deal of time just getting permission to place all of these crests onto a single pole. (The picture of this pole at the Fort Site is included in this Jukebox Project with Mr. Perkins' permission.)