Juneau, AK (April 7, 2023) – The Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) is pleased to announce Vicki Soboleff has been hired as the Cultural Heritage & Education Manager to be based in Lynnwood, Washington. This additional managerial position was created to support the cultural and educational needs of our tribal citizens in Washington.
As the Cultural Heritage & Education Manager, Soboleff will collaborate with tribal programs and partners to support Southeast Alaska Indigenous languages, arts and cultural education and preservation initiatives. She will also develop a cultural service plan to identify resources and opportunities to increase the Tribe’s capacity to build out classes, activities, and events that support tribal citizens and communities.
“We are pleased to be able to offer cultural heritage and education teachings in the Seattle area, and that Ms. Soboleff has accepted this position with the Tribe,” said Amelia Rivera, Senior Director of the Cultural Heritage & Education Division. “She comes with a wealth of knowledge and her work to uplift our culture and revitalize tradition, while instilling pride in our community is unmatched.”
Soboleff is Haida, Yak’Laanas, Raven/Double Fin Killerwhale of the Brown Bear House and was adopted into the Kiks.adi clan (Raven/Frog) of the Tinaa Hit, (Copper Shield) House and the Gaagaan Hit, (Sun House). Her Haida names are Hiilunjaat and Tl’aakahlwaas and her Tlingit names are Shxaasti and Kukak. She was born in Seattle, Washington and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska. She has an extensive background in finance and accounting and, prior to accepting this position, was the grants manager for the Tulalip Tribes in Washington. Soboleff also served 13 years with Sealaska as managing accountant and corporate controller.
"I am happy to join Tlingit & Haida's Cultural Heritage & Education Division," said Soboleff. "I look forward to the building opening and managing the Cultural Heritage & Education program in Lynnwood. I am very excited about the potential to coordinate cultural opportunities for our tribal citizens who live in the Washington area."
Soboleff is an artist, performer, mentor and teacher who has founded dance groups and conducted several outreach and youth mentorship programs. She has received mentorship from master weavers and language bearers, including Selina Peratrovich and Dolores Churchill in Haida basketry, Julia Fawcett in moccasin making, Beatrice Starkweather in traditional beadwork, and Cheryl Samuel and Kay Parker in Ravenstail weaving.
President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson said that he’s excited to bring Vicki onboard with her years of experience, and passion for teaching and lifting people up through our culture.
“We have more than 7,400 tribal citizens in Washington and know there is a growing interest for Tlingit & Haida to support more cultural and educational opportunities,” shared President Peterson. “Our communities and tribal citizens thrive when our culture is our foundation. Vicki has already been doing this great work in Washington because she knows our culture brings us strength."
President Peterson also said this is part of Tlingit & Haida’s greater effort to meet tribal citizens where they’re at.
“We are dedicated to finding ways to better serve our communities and citizens. By working together, we can build a stronger, more connected community,” said President Peterson.
Soboleff has received numerous awards for her work, including Tlingit & Haida's Culture Bearer award which recognized her dedication to perpetuating and preserving our culture and upholding traditional knowledge through practice and teaching.
A workspace for cultural classes and activities is scheduled to open at the beginning of September in Lynnwood, Washington. More information will be announced at a later date.
