Taantakwan Teikweidee Clan

Israel Shotridge is a member of the Bear Clan (Teikweidee) of the Tongass Tribe (Taantakwaan) of Ketchikan, Alaska.

The photo to the right was taken at the Raven - Blackfinned Totem Pole raising in Klawock, Alaska replicated by Israel Shotridge 1991.
Shown from left to right; Sue Shotridge (Shotridge's wife), Israel Shotridge (Bear Mask), Esther Shea (Matriarch & Shotridge's Mother) ,Norman Jackson (Shotridge's brother), Betsy Mc Farland (Shotridge's sister), Richard Jackson (Shotridge's brother), foreground Robert Jackson (Shotridge's nephew)

Please check back with us soon as we continue to expand this area with information about the culture and heritage of the Tlingit people.

Israel Shotridge in his ceremonial regalia
holding the Tongass Tribe's Speaker Staff.

Sue & Israel Shotridge

July 3rd 1993 At the celebration of the raising
of the Chief Kyan totem, replicated by Israel,
Whale Park,Ketchikan, Alaska.

Holly & Autumn !

Israel's daughters Holly & Autumn
waiting to get on the Teikweidee (Bear Clan )
float during the 1996 4th of July,
parade in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Tongass Tribe - Willard Jackson ( Israel's Brother )

Willy Jackson is shown here wearing a Teikweidee ( Bear Clan )
Chief's headdress proudly.

Mom & Betsy ( Israels Sister )

Here, Esther Shea (Israel's mom) & Betsy McFarlane (Israel's sister) are dressed for the 1994 Ketchikan, Alaska, 4th of July parade. Esther was the Grand Marshall.

Chris Makua ( Israel's Cousin )

Teikweidee ( Bear Clan ) member Chris Makua donning his Teikweidee
Chief's headdress.