This Is Kuxaankutaan’s (Dr. Frederica de Laguna’s) Song

Abstract

From 1949 to 1954, Dr. Frederica Annis de Leo de Laguna, then Chair of Sociology and Anthropology, Bryn Mawr College, recorded from our Yakutat elders the history and culture of the Yakutat Tlingit. This paper describes the other side of Freddy, as an adopted clan member who was fascinated with Tlingit music. In the dedication to the song, she acknowledged Olaf Abraham (Elaine’s father) from whom she learned methods of composing Tlingit songs. With the help of John Ellis, a Gineix Kwaan/Kwaashk’i Kaagwaantaan man, Freddy composed this song in honor of the Yakutat people.