Kake*

Historically, the Kake tribe of the Tlingits controlled the trade routes around Kuiu and Kupreanof islands, defending their territory against other tribal groups in the region. Ventures into the region by early European explorers and traders resulted in occasional skirmishes between Native Tlingits and foreigners. Tensions between locals and outsiders had been escalating when, in 1869, a non-Native sentry at the settlement in Sitka shot and killed a Kake Native. In accordance with their traditional custom, the Kakes then killed two prospectors in retribution. In reprisal, the U.S. Navy sent the USS Saginaw to punish the Kakes by shelling their villages and destroying their homes, boats, and stored foods. The Kake people survived this onslaught but were forced to disperse and live with other tribes to survive. Over the following 20 years, the Kakes regrouped at the current village site. In 1891, a government school and store were built. A Society of Friends mission was also established. A post office was built in 1904. In the early part of the 20th century, Kake became the first Alaska Native village to organize under federal law, resulting in U.S. citizenship for community residents. In 1912, the first cannery was built near Kake. After the Second World War, timber harvesting and processing became a major local industry.

Kake Alaska is located on Kupreanof Island, which is strategically located in the Southeast Alaska panhandle. In addition to the community’s abundant natural resources, its people have much to offer.  As a testament to the determination of Kake, the community has joined together through the local CEDS Committee which has representation from the two local governments, City of Kake and Organized Village of Kake, local ANCSA village corporation Kake Tribal Corp, local school district Kake City Schools, and local non-profit fish hatchery Gunnuk Creek Hatchery.   Together, the Kake CEDS Committee has created a unified vision for Kake through the community’s local CEDS Plan.  The CEDS document presents goals & objectives with associated projects that will provide essential infrastructure to utilize the community’s resources from the land & water and most importantly, the residents of this picturesque community.  The goal is to enhance the socio-economic welfare of the community and re-grow the population that has declined in recent years.  With all that the community has to offer, Kake can effectively serve the region while providing a healthy environment for its residents who live within the rich culture of Kake.

Priority Projects