Assimilation and the Native People of Metlakahtla, Alaska

In 1887 a group of 826 Tsimshian People left their homes in British Columbia, Canada, and traveled by canoe to the waters of the U.S. to their new home in Alaska. The man who was responsible for taking them to this new place was Mr. William Duncan, a lay missionary of the Anglican Church, whose specific mission was to Christianize the Tsimshian people. (Note: Native Americans are generally known as “First People” in Canada and “Native Alaskans” in Alaska.)

Match these photos to their descriptions, looking for evidence of assimilation of American customs as you go. At the end you will be asked to review the advantages and disadvantages of assimilation.