Sealaska Mourns the Loss of Tlingit leader David Katzeek

It is with great sadness, but also reverence, respect and gratitude for his innumerable contributions, that we share the news of the passing of Tlingit Elder and culture bearer Kingeistí David Katzeek. Katzeek was a clan leader for the Eagle moiety, Shangukeidí (Thunderbird Clan) of Klukwan. Katzeek was from Kaawdliyaayi Hít (House Lowered from the Sun), and Shis'g̠i Hít (Tree Bark House) in Chilkat K̠wáan Klukwan, after his mother, the late Anna Klanott Katzeek. He was a child of the G̠aanax̠teidí after his father, George J. Katzeek, who was a Raven G̠aanax̠teidí Clan of the Raven-Otter-Whale-Frog House in Klukwan. Katzeek was born in Klukwan on November 12, 1942, and moved to Juneau in 1948. He Walked into the Forest in Juneau on October 28, 2020. He was deeply involved with community life in Juneau, with particular commitment to language preservation and the education and mentorship of young people — Native and non-Native alike. “This is an incredible loss for so many,” said Sealaska Board Chair Joe Nelson. “I am personally thankful for the time I had with him. I am especially thankful for the time so many of our kids had with him, including my own kids. Kingeistí set the bar higher for all of us. He did it with passion, grace and love.”