AGNES MARTHA THLUNAUT BELLINGER
| I Agnes Bellinger and Clarissa at the Optimum Health Institute in San Diego, California - November 2005 |
 In 2001, Clarissa Rizal weaves a Raven
Chilkat robe for Anne Gould-Hauberg (co-founder of the Pilchuck School of Glass in Washington State). |
|
December 21, 1927 - February 14, 2006
I first met Agnes in the early 70s in her Juneau
home. I was a teenager interested in learning more Tlingit
songs and dances since I had been learning the Yakutat
Mt. St. Elias Tlingit songs from the late Harry K. Bremner,
Sr. Though eventually I became distracted from learning
the songs, Agnes' newly-formed dance group, the "Eagle
Raven Dancers" would become one of the most well-known
Native dance groups to represent the peoples of the
Northwest Coast. More than 35 years later, the dance
group continues to teach and inspire the young people,
currently led by Agnes' adopted daughter, Atricia Hill
Makaily.
In 1985, I attended Jennie Thlunaut's last Chilkat weaving
workshop for two weeks in Haines. A year later, Agnes
called me unexpectedly and said: 'Clarissa, my mother
wants you to apprentice with her; she wants to continue
teaching you how to weave...as you know, two weeks is
not enough time to learn all there is to know about
Chilkat weaving...my mother is coming to town tomorrow;
can you start then?" Since the apprenticeship,
which was held in her house on West 11th street in Juneau,
for years Agnes continued to encourage me to weave because
she knew that most people who learned how to weave would
eventually feel discouraged and quit altogether.
Three months before her passing, I had the privilege
to assist Agnes through a detox program at the Optimum
Health Institute in San Diego, California. Agnes had
a rare form of cancer and was willing to try alternatives
to healing. During the intense three weeks of cleansing,
we spent many hours conversing about her life and family,
our culture, and of course my role in being a teacher
of Chilkat weaving. She said "Like my mother, I
have always believed in you...you will continue to do
good works..."
Agnes Martha Thlunaut Bellinger passed away at her home
at 7:00am February 14, 2006. She was born on December
21, 1927 to John (Lunaat’) and Jennie (Johnson)
Mark (Shaax’saani keek).
A Kaagwaantaan of the Wolf House, her Tlingit names
were Yaanshawti and K’indzei, she was the “Commodore”
of the YaanWaa Shaa after her mother, Jennie Thlunaut.
She was Lukaax.adi yadi and a Chooshgadachxan (her own
grandchild, the same clan as her paternal grandfather).
Her mother, Jennie, was a Gaanaxteidi yadi, the daughter
of Mathew Johnson (Yaandakin yeil) of the Frog House
in Klukwan whose wife Ester (Kaakwdagaan) was a Deisheetaan
yadi by a man named Shaadaax’. The wife of Shaadaax’
was Kuseeyi. The father of Mathew Johnson, X’ajoosa
was also Kaagwaantaan and his wife was known as Kooleet
Tlaa.
Agnes was raised to know the Tlingit way of life, she
shared her knowledge openly with others. She was officially
bestowed the honor of Kaagwaantaan Naa Tlaa at Koo.eex’
in Haines/Klukwan in August of 2001.
She was preceded in death by her sisters Katherine (Hammond),
Edith Thompson, and Edna Land, and her late husband
Leo Jacobs Sr. (of the Coho clan) and second husband
Donald Carroll Bellinger (adopted by the Lukaax.aadi
clan).
Agnes started a dance group, Eagle Raven Dancers, shortly
after moving to Juneau in 1969. Agnes’ knowledge
and generosity in sharing the Tlingit way of life reached
many community members through the years giving sprout
to other dance groups including: Yun Shu Ka, Yees Ku
Oo, Children of All Nations, and many other dancers
of Southeast Alaska.
Agnes encouraged continued-learning and was willing
to share with many who were interested in the Tllingit
way of life. She continued her own education by earning
her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Anthropology from the
University of Washington. Upon graduation she was presented
with a graduation gift – A Chilkat Naa xein made
by her late mother, master weaver Jennie Thlunaut.
She began her job careers by working at the Haines House
Laundry. She was not hindered by being legally blind
and went on to receive the handicap of the year award
in 1976 for her exceptional ability, speed and proficiency
in typing skills and administrative organization under
the employment of the U.S. Forest Service. She continued
her work after receiving her degree by working for Sealaska
and serving the Juneau School District as a cultural
specialist.
In later years, Agnes enjoyed her role of sharing the
beauty of the Tlingit way of life with visitors to Juneau
by working as a docent for the Alaska State Museum and
an elder knowledge-bearer sharing with visitor groups
organized by Goldbelt tourism. During her work with
cruise line companies, she received the official honorary
badge as crew for America West Steamboat Company.
Agnes was fortunate to receive the tutelage of her Tlingit
elders in her younger life. She believed in sharing
her knowledge and Tlingit heritage with many who were
interested in order t impart the beauty, love and respect
of the Tlingit ways. She encouraged young people to
learn their native language and heritage. The Lukaax.aadi,
Agnes’ father’s people, are bestowed the
honor of Agnes’ wish to be cared for in the Tlingit
manner.
Pallbearers are designated as Peter Marks, Raymond Dennis,
Jr., Jeff David Jr., Smitty Katzeek, Levi Thompson and
Kevin Thompson. Honorary pallbearers are Johnnie Marks,
Emma Marks, Nora Dauenhauer, Cyril George, Nathan Jackson,
Florence M. Sheakley, David Light, Joe Winders, Austin
“Ozzie” Hammond, Jr.
Agnes is survived by her children Leo Jacobs, Joe Jacobs,
Marianne Jacobs, Donna Bellinger, grandchildren and
numerous nieces and nephews.
Contact Clarissa for permission to use text or images for educational purposes only.