The Skagway Traditional Council, Margaret Frans Brady Fund, and Municipality of Skagway are partnering on a pilot project to replace street signs with signs depicting both English and Lingít street names. The pilot project will be implemented this Fall on Broadway between 8th and 15th Avenues and the 15th Avenue intersections on Main Street and Alaska Street.
Adding Indigenous language to street signs honors the land’s original stewards, keeps the local indigenous language visible and alive, and invites residents and visitors alike to look closer: sparking curiosity to discover Skagway’s history beyond the gold rush. The project is funded by the Margaret Frans Brady Fund, STC Tribal Transportation Program funds, and Municipality of Skagway funds.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Margaret Frans Brady Fund and the Municipality of Skagway on this important project and hope to continue collaborating on future efforts that increase representation of Indigenous culture, language, and arts,” said STC Administrator Sara Kinjo-Hischer. “We would also like to thank Dr. X’unei Lance Twitchell for helping us translate the street signs into the Lingít language. This project would not have been possible without his linguistic knowledge. The Indigenous representation on public street signs ensures Indigenous voices are seen, heard, and valued as an integral part of Shgagwéi’s present, and future.”
“When I was on a trip to Ireland about ten years ago, I noticed that most of the street signs included Gaelic, and I thought this could be done with Lingít on Skagway street signs,” said MFB Advisor Jeff Brady. “I approached Skagway Traditional Council, who was enthusiastic about the idea, and together we began working with the Municipality. The MFB Fund pledged $50,000 toward the project, and we are happy to see it finally happening. Soon Skagway School children and others will be counting in Lingít on their walks to school.”
“This pilot street sign project highlights the deep Lingít history of our community,” said Borough Mayor Orion Hanson. “By placing the Lingít words and names alongside the English names, we hope to make them a familiar part of how we talk about Skagway’s geography and culture.”
The goal of the pilot program is to test the new signs, which will be larger than existing street signs, for wind load and other factors before expanding the project to eventually include all street signs.
About Skagway Traditional Council
The Skagway Traditional Council (STC) is a federally recognized tribal government for Skagway Lingít and Haida Indians, Alaska Natives, and American Indians located in the Skagway Traditional Council service area. STC’s mission is to nurture, educate, and protect tribal members by preserving cultural heritage, natural resources, improving partnerships and economic stability, while upholding tribal sovereignty. For more information about STC, click here.
About Margaret Frans Brady Fund
The Margaret Frans Brady Fund (MFB) was established in 2012 with the Juneau Community Foundation in memory of Margaret Frans Brady, and supports arts and education needs in the community by funding projects and awarding scholarships. For more information about the Margaret Frans Brady Fund, click here.
About Municipality of Skagway
The Municipality of Skagway (MOS) is an incorporated first-class borough in Southeast Alaska. The mission of MOS is to responsibly provide vital and dynamic services to the residents and visitors of the Municipality through the application of professional skills, adopted plans, and standards which facilitate the growth of the local economy and protect and enhance the quality of life, while fostering a respectful and successful workplace and preserving our environment and history for current and future generations. For more information about the Municipality of Skagway, click here.
