Margaret Haube, yòo xát duwasàakw cháak áyá xát Naanyaa.ayi naax xát sitee, from chief sakes hitdáx áyá xát in Wrangell/Shax’ héen Khwáandáxh áyá xát (bitterwater tribe) and Wooshkeetaan a toodeí xát jíwataan ax naa daakahídi, T’oos’ Déxh’i hít (shark backbone) in Xunaa kháawu (people from the direction of the northwind), Yanyeidí yádi áyá xát

Roberta and Margaret, members of the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, recognized a poignant reality within their Senior Program. Many elders engaging in current activities have never experienced traditional dances or songs, having been sent to boarding schools aimed at eradicating their cultural heritage.

In May of last year, they embarked on a mission to establish a dance group. Despite initial uncertainties, five elders joined the group. Within a short span, they found themselves showcasing their talents at their Caregivers Conference in Juneau. To ensure the program’s success, Roberta and Margaret sought guidance from seasoned elder dancers, enriching their understanding and proficiency in native dancing.

Roberta has worked for the council for 18 years. At the age of 60, she achieved a milestone by graduating from UAF with a degree in Social Work. Despite her rich cultural heritage, dance was absent from Roberta’s formative years, largely due to her separation from family and her Angoon community to attend high school. However, her roots are deeply embedded in Tlingit traditions, inherited from her grandmother, sister, and uncle. In addition to her immersion in native dancing, Roberta has embraced sewing projects linked to her heritage, such as crafting robes for elders—a pursuit that is now her passion.

As an elder herself, she reflects on pictures of elders she grew up with—individuals fluent in Tlingit, steeped in their songs and dances. When she organized the elder dance group with limited personal cultural knowledge, she was also grappling with personal life challenges. Through the process she has come to appreciate the imperative for healing through native traditions.

Margaret’s journey culminated in her recent graduation from UAF, earning a degree in Social Work. Her professional trajectory began as a family case worker, before transitioning to specialize in social work within the Elder Program. Among her many responsibilities, Margaret plays a pivotal role in organizing the Caregiver Conference.

Her passion for sewing came from her mother. During college classes, she found beading gave her focus and kept her awake. All of her creations are meticulously crafted by hand. She never learned how to use a sewing machine – and doesn’t want to.

Margaret highlights two significant challenges:  weaving the Tlingit language into dance routines and joyfully embracing mistakes.  However, with a culture of encouragement and shared learning, all of the elders have grown, and each has added to the collective wisdom. Emphasis is placed on individuals’ capabilities and contributions.  No one is excluded and everyone has a voice. Some elders choose to remain seated during performances, and their presence is acknowledged and respected. Even those with physical limitations find innovative ways to join in, like incorporating a cane into their movements. It is through the wide range of experiences of the participants and the curiosity of the elders that the dance group thrives.

The Elder Dance Group has performed at the Caregivers Conference, Tlingit-Haida Tribal Assembly, and Sealaska.  The next chance to see the Elder Dance Group perform will be at Celebration this year in June.  (Elder Dance Group Performance)

Margaret and Roberta share a vision for the Elder Dance Group’s ongoing expansion, seeing it as a vital avenue for healing and joy within the Native community. Elders have voiced their desire for unity, rejecting isolation in favor of shared experiences. They yearn for moments where they can rise and dance, eager for their grandchildren to witness their cultural pride firsthand. It’s not just about learning the ancestral language; it’s about singing it with reverence and passing down this heritage to future generations. By showcasing their dedication and passion they hope to inspire younger members of the community to embrace their roots as well.

The Elder Dance Group serves as a stage where individuals can showcase their holistic selves—mind, body, and spirit—and proudly display their unique contributions to the world, fostering a sense of empowerment and unity among its members.  Roberta shared these words from Dr. Soboleff:  He always said to take care of the old person, and you will become one.

Roberta and Margaret are engaged in a range of cultural and future-oriented activities for their community, including language classes, harvesting, and cooking workshops, sewing classes, the creation of a cookbook, and organizing the Eagle/Raven walk.