Metlakatla, Alaska

Metlakatla is a village on Annette Island, which is a Southeast Alaskan Island.  With a population of about 1,500 people, this island of about 130 square miles was founded by a tribe of Tsimshian Indians from the Canadian province of British Columbia in 1887.  Though technically a US territory, the Tsimshian’s on Metlakatla have their own government, which is a unique blend of their old tribal ways and American democracy. Metlakatla is the only Indian reservation in Alaska, and their community controls the commercial fishing industry off of their coast, which is the backbone of their economy.  Though most residents of the island are Tsimshian, there are some Alaskan Natives who are a part of their community.  

  Cool weather enthusiasts will enjoy Metlakatla summers, which stretch between 36 and 70 degrees.  This small town culture enjoys hiking, fishing, relaxing on the beach, picnics, the arts, native dancing and friendly faces who like to share new stories to pass the time away while it rains. Average annual combined rainfall and snowfall is about 115 inches, so an umbrella, a pair of mud shoes (or boots) and mosquito repellent will definitely come in handy.

Metlakatla is known as our kids focused ministry location where teams help complete Vacation Bible School and Basketball camps for the community, with some opportunities for construction projects depending on the knowledge of the team.  For those who don't know SE Alaska is known as a 'rain forrest', so for the youth of the island their sport options are very limited, due to the intense weather conditions they can have. This is why we have jumped on the opportunity to put basketball camps as its one of the largest sports that bleeds through their veins from birth. If you are interested in learning about their community, culture and their love for basketball consider watching, - Alaskan Nets (2021), a documentary that only begins to show a piece of their story that we absolutely love and want to step in and support where we can!