Sitka Spruce Carries the Spirit of Alaska’s Wild Salmon to Washington D.C.
This year, a special connection between the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree and the wilds of Alaska is hidden beneath its lush, 80-foot spruce branches. As the Sitka Spruce made its way from the Tongass National Forest to Washington, D.C., it carried with it more than just festive cheer—it brought the very essence of Alaska’s ecosystems and the enduring role of wild salmon in its history.
Each year, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree—often called “The People’s Tree”—is selected from one of America’s national forests, but this year’s tree, sourced from Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, offers a unique glimpse into the vital relationship between salmon and the land. The tree, which traveled nearly 5,000 miles to the nation’s capital, is a tribute to the deep connection between the natural world of Alaska and the people who depend on it.
The Vital Role of Salmon in Alaska’s Ecosystem
The Tongass National Forest, stretching over 17 million acres, is home to an intricate web of streams that nurture one of the largest populations of wild Pacific salmon in the world. These fish, which spawn in the region’s pristine waters, are a cornerstone of the ecosystem, providing nourishment not just to bears and birds, but to the trees themselves. The nutrients from the decomposing salmon, carried by insects and smaller creatures, make their way into the soil and into the roots of trees, including the Sitka Spruce that now stands on the U.S. Capitol lawn.
Tom Reimchen, a renowned forest ecologist at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, has conducted research showing that trees near salmon streams often rely on the ocean-going fish for up to 80% of their nitrogen. This nutrient transfer plays a critical role in the health of the forest, making the trees stronger and more vibrant, much like the Sitka Spruce that now graces the Capitol.
Alaska’s Youth Honor Tradition with Salmon Skin Ornaments
While the tree is a symbol of the natural beauty of Alaska, it also carries a special tribute to the people who have lived in the region for thousands of years. In Sitka, a group of Indigenous youth worked with local artist Judi Lehman to create ornaments from tanned salmon skins, reflecting the deep cultural and ecological significance of wild salmon in the region. This ornament-making project was part of Sitka Conservation Society’s Alaska Way of Life 4-H program.
The salmon skins, a material provided by Lehman herself, were transformed by the youth into ornaments that now hang on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The ornaments serve as a reminder of the essential role wild salmon play in Alaska’s cultural and economic life. For generations, the Lingít, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples of Southeast Alaska have relied on these fish, not only as a primary food source but as a symbol of sustenance, culture, and connection to the land.
This year’s effort to create over 10,000 ornaments for the Capitol tree was a massive, community-wide endeavor. Alongside the salmon skin ornaments, many others paid homage to Alaska’s rich cultural heritage. In Petersburg, for example, tribal artist Mary Ann Rainey worked with community members to create formline-inspired felt ornaments, decorated with intricate beadwork and representing the wildlife that thrives in Alaska’s forests.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree: A Long-standing Tradition
Since 1964, the U.S. Forest Service has selected a Christmas tree from a national forest to stand in front of the U.S. Capitol as part of a longstanding holiday tradition. This year’s tree, chosen from the Tongass National Forest, represents more than just a festive decoration. It is a living symbol of the enduring connection between the natural world and the people who care for it.
The tree was transported from Alaska to Washington, D.C., where it was erected and adorned with thousands of ornaments from Alaskans of all ages, backgrounds, and traditions. Each ornament tells a story, whether it’s of the forest’s ecosystems, Alaska’s Indigenous cultures, or the state’s sustainable fishing practices. The tree-lighting ceremony, held in early December, marked the beginning of another holiday season filled with joy and celebration, reminding Americans of the importance of nature and community.
Celebrating Alaska’s Ecosystems and People
This year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is more than just a festive symbol—it’s a living tribute to Alaska’s wild salmon, its ecosystems, and the people who depend on both. From the youth of Sitka who crafted ornaments from salmon skins to the researchers studying the role of salmon in the forest, this year’s tree is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all life.
The story behind the Sitka Spruce and its ornaments is one that speaks to the heart of Alaska—a place where the land, water, and people are bound together in an enduring dance of life. As the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree stands tall in Washington, D.C., it carries with it a message of sustainability, cultural heritage, and the natural beauty that defines Alaska.
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