Tlingit oral tradition

Tlingit oral tradition is a rich practice of storytelling, song, and performance used to pass down history, beliefs, and cultural values from generation to generation. It often includes detailed stories about ancestors, spirits, and natural features, serving to preserve identity and social structure. These stories are shared through ceremonies, art, and language, emphasizing respect for nature and community. Because there was no written language traditionally, oral tradition is vital for maintaining the Tlingit's cultural continuity and understanding of their place in the world.