Heritage and Culture

The Déslin Haa Kusteeyí Dàkhakhwân Hit (Teslin Tlingit Heritage Centre) is located in a spectacular setting on the Teslin Lake, five kilometres north of the Village of Teslin with a clear view of Tle’nax T’Awei (Lone Sheep Mountain), also known locally as The Three Aces or Dawson Peaks.

The Heritage Centre is comprised of the Great Hall, Elders’ Room, Gallery, and gift shop. The Gallery provides a showcase for modern and traditional Tlingit arts and culture. The Teslin Tlingit Council’s permanent collection is the core of the exhibition at the Heritage Centre. It contains works of art created by contemporary and traditional Teslin Tlingit artists spanning the last century.

The gift shop offers arts and crafts made by local Tlingit artisans and other unique gift items. On site at the water’s edge are the canoe shed, a traditional fish camp and kitchen cache that are used throughout the year for open-air programming.

Exhibitions, programming, demonstrations and workshops teach ancient skills and showcase talents and art in our world-class Heritage Centre.  The Heritage Department delivers cultural programming to the Teslin Tlingit Council citizens and to the visiting public.  Various cultural programs and workshops are offered by request and demonstrations are scheduled throughout the summer months.

Programming is intended to enrich the lives of Citizens and future generations through the preservation, teaching and reviving of traditional knowledge and Tlingit skills and artistry.