Winnie Smith

Winnie Smith was a well respected elder who was recognized in her community and by the National Park Service for her wealth of traditional knowledge.  Her Tlingit name was Cow du klaa; she was T’akdeintaan, Kaa Shaayi Hít (Man’s Head House). Winnie was quoted a half dozen times by the Park Service in the Technical Report NPS/CCSOUW/NRTR-2002-0: A STUDY OF TRADITIONAL USE OF BIRDS’ EGGS BY THE HUNA TLINGIT.  The report included:  "Tom Mills said that as children they were always taught to keep everything clean and not to leave messes for others.  Elder Winnie Smith reinforces this point: The whole Glacier Bay was respected.  Always when you left there, you had to pick up your garbage from wherever you're at.  You put that away or you burn it in the fire.  You don't just leave it."

Another of her quotes: "My son was 18 years old when he went up to Glacier Bay.  They didn't know the rules of Glacier Bay.  Him and [a friend]… they shot a seal there.  They picked 'em up and they read them their rights.  Charlie said, "I see them read their rights on TV, but I never thought anybody [would] read me my rights...." So, that's when they found out they couldn't even go into Glacier Bay for the seal, and people just quit going up there for any food....  And that's the same way with the seagull eggs....  We're not allowed to go and get our food."