About Shee Atiká Totem Square Inn in Sitka Alaska

The Shee Atiká Totem Square Inn puts you at the heart of Sitka, Alaska - only steps from world-class fishing and water sports, fascinating history and charming shops - all set against the striking backdrop of Mt. Edgecumbe, a 3,200-ft. dormant volcano. We are the ideal Southeast Alaska fishing lodge and vacation spot.

Our Sitka, Alaska hotel sits on the spot of the Sheet'ka Kiks.adi Tlingit's sacred Herring Rock, a portion of which can be seen across Katlian Street adjacent to the Sheet'ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Community House. It also is the site of the original New Archangel Shipyard, where the first Pacific Coast steamship was built in 1806.

Katlian street is one of the original pathways of the Native Sitkans, with an estimated age of more than 5,000 years.

We're across the street from the Sheet'ka Kwaan Naa-Kahidi Community House, Alaska Pioneers Home and historic Pioneer Bar, one of the highlights of Sitka nightlife.

A short walk away, you'll find the cruise ship lightering dock and several historical sites, including St. Michael's Cathedral and Sheet'ka Kiks.ádi Tlingit's sacred Herring Rock.

We're less than two miles from the Rocky Gutierrez Sitka Airport (SIT).

Shee Atiká Totem Square Inn is an Alaska hotel owned by Shee Atiká, Inc. , the Urban Native Corporation for Sitka . Our shareholders are all of Native Alaskan descent. To read more about Shee Atiká, Inc., visit http://www.sheeatika.com/about.shtml .

Many of our staff are Shee Atiká Shareholders and have lived here their entire lives, some for generations. Each of us takes an owner's pride in giving you the finest possible service and lodging in Sitka, Alaska. We know the local area, and can recommend places to eat, shop, or explore. We'll even share our best fishing tips.

Shee Atiká Totem Square Inn offers many on-site amenities, including a travel agency, popular Sitka restaurant, and surplus store to make your stay pleasurable and as productive as you'd like. Please let us know if there's anything you need while you're here.

Sitka History

Sitka is the oldest town in the Northwest and the ancestral home of the Native tribe, the Tlingits (pronounced "klink-et"). The Tlingits called this area Shee Atika, of which Sitka is a contraction. In 1799, the Russian-American Company - coveting trading routes, fur and timber - claimed the Pacific Northwest for Russia . In 1802, the Tlingits vanquished the Russian settlers. Two years later, the Russians returned with a gunship, eventually forcing the Tlingits to withdraw.

Russia changed the town's name to New Archangel, and made it the capital of Russian America. By 1821, the Russians and Tlingits began a trade relationship. But in 1867, Russia sold its interests to the United States . The flag-changing ceremony took place in Sitka , which remained capital of Alaska Territory until 1906, when the government moved to Juneau .

Modern-day Sitka provides a fascinating blend of Native roots with Russian and American influences - all amidst breathtaking natural splendor.