This year, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree has a special surprise – wild Pacific salmon hidden within its branches. The 80-foot Sitka Spruce tree, traveling nearly 5,000 miles from the Tongass National Forest to Washington, D.C., is a symbol of the intricate relationship between salmon and the forest. The Tongass National Forest, spanning 17 million acres, is home to numerous salmon streams that provide vital nutrients to the surrounding trees.
To honor this connection, youth from Sitka created ornaments using tanned salmon skins, reflecting the importance of wild Alaska salmon in Southeast Alaska. The ornaments were part of a broader effort by Alaskans to produce over 10,000 ornaments for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, showcasing the rich cultures and ecosystems of Alaska.
During the tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 3, Esther Aaltséen Reese, Tribal Administrator of the Wrangell Cooperative Association, highlighted the significance of trees in Indigenous Lingít culture. The tree stands as a symbol of the deep ties between the lands and waters of the Tongass National Forest and the communities that rely on its resources.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation and sustainable practices in preserving our natural resources for future generations. As Americans gather around the tree, they are invited to reflect on the beauty and significance of the Tongass National Forest and the spirit of unity and joy that the Christmas season brings.
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Photo credit alaskabeacon.com
