Contact Us FAQ Français
Home / The Whale House

The Whale House


Catalogue Number:  TIP000
Producer:  Terra Incognita Productions
Producing Agencies:  Terra Incognita Productions
Subject:  Arts, Documentary, Family Studies/Home Economics, First Nations Studies, History, Indigenous Issues, Indigenous Peoples
Language:  English
Grade Level:  9 - 12, Post Secondary, Adult
Country Of Origin:  Canada
Copyright Year:  2018
Running Time:  88:46
Closed Captions:  Yes


Request Preview Access

Carved by Tlingit genius artist Kadjisdu.axtc in the late 1700s, the Whale House is considered by many the “Sistine Chapel” of North America Native Art. The Alaskan town of Klukwan was the epicenter of the Tlingit civilization. For centuries southern museums and art dealers coveted the Whale House treasures. They were eventually stolen and taken to Seattle. After years of struggle, the community won a landmark victory of Tribal Law. They regained control of their art and returned the historic treasures to Klukwan. A condition of the return of the art was for the community to provide an appropriate home. After years of effort, the Whale House is now open to the public.


Related Titles

The Maker of Monsters: The Extraordinary Life of Beau Dick

Athene Films Inc AFI000

Maker of Monsters gives an intimate look into the life of one of Canada’s greatest artists. The...

Carver of Stories: DocJam Series

Canazwest CPI006

"Art has to come from a history and foundation, and ours is our stories..." Those are the words of...

Profound Lessons from Indigenous Law: John Borrows - The Green...

Paper Tiger PT0011

John Borrows is one of Canada's most prolific and celebrated legal scholars and a professor of law...

Faces in the Land with Dempsey Bob: Landscape as Muse, Season 4

291 Film Company 291064

Tahltan-Tlingit artist Dempsey Bob has devoted a lifetime to the craft of woodcarving. His work...

Museums, Monuments & Living History: Future History - Harnessing...

Redcloud Studios RS0009

Our hosts, Kris and Sarain dig deeper into the world of Archaeology, preservation of artefacts and...


Browse Our Collection By Subject

View All Subjects