“Kaakagooxu eeti sheeyi.” A Naanya.aayi Clan mourning song last performed in 1904, was lost until a recording was found in a museum. This is first time performed November 2008 by the Wrangell J.O.M. dancers. The significance also during this event in a potlatch not held since 1940 by the last Chief Shakes VII Charlie Jones – to properly welcome back the Chief Shakes Chilkat Blanket by the Naanya.aayi Clan (celebrating the Return of Keet Xhaa Naaxhein (Killerwhale Flotilla Robe). I remember my grandmother Matilda Jones Paul singing this song from memory when I was a young lady. At the time I wasn’t aware this song was lost.
I am from the Raven side of Shtax’héen Kwáan. These are my relatives.
This is beautiful…and, we know we are a thriving culture when we continue to compose new songs, for new reasons, and teach these to our children. Thanks for sharing and keeping our culture present!