The Tlingit are a Alaska Native group and Canadian First Nations people. The original name is Lingit.
The Lingit are a matrilineal society who developed a complex hunter-gatherer culture in the temperate rain forest along the Pacific coast.
Tlingit has many dialects, including the very divergent Inland Tlingit dialects.
Linguists classify the language as belonging to the Na-Dene language family.
For centuries, outsiders have been impressed by the woodworking skill and the fine art in totem poles and masks and the magnificent weaving. George T. Emmons recorded cultural details at the end of the 19th century.
