May 24, 1952-Aug. 25, 2023

“Khaach.a-a-di ya-atx’eeee, Yee jin galtooshaa-daa, Yeiw hei-hei hee yaaw aaya.” An excerpt from the Lingit song X’awditaan Xhixhch, “Children of Kaach.adi, we are going to hold each others hands.”

Ajit Linda Lizabeth DeWitt always wanted to help keep our Tlingit culture alive. She started teaching her daughter Tsoonklah Tamaree Tlingit dances and singing from the time she was born “Every time I hear the Lukaahadi Cry Song, it brings back memories of hearing her drumming, her incredible singing & leading the dance group.”

Ajit Linda Lizabeth DeWitt died at the age of 71 in Anchorage, Alaska on August 25, 2023. Linda’s family comes from Shtuxéen kwaan (Wrangell, AK), with a lineage that includes Chief Shakes VI, Chief Shakes VII, Matilda Kinnon “Tillie” Paul Tamaree (Tlingit translator, civil rights advocate, educator & Presbyterian church elder), William Paul (first Native attorney, first Native legislator, political activist & “Father of Native Land Claims”), Louis Paul (foundational member of Alaska Native Brotherhood & worked with his brother William on the successful Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act).

Ajit Linda is survived by her daughter Tsoonklah Tamaree Kawagley, her sister Cynthia DeWitt, her grandson Kadanake Eesh/ Yeix Nei-ookh Derrik Speaks, loving family Jean Gamanche, Joaqlin Estus, Meda DeWitt, and many more beloved friends and family.

Ajit Linda Lizabeth DeWitt enjoyed spending time with her grandson, working to repatriating Tlingit artifacts back to their clans, telling stories, making fiber art & helping her daughter Tsoonklah Tamaree create patterns for the handmade crafts featuring traditional Native designs.

Ajit Linda L. DeWitt was a vibrant woman with a fierce dedication for conserving Alaska Native culture and art.

If you would like to help with final expenses, or send a gift in lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to the PayPal fundraiser or send to- 

https://www.paypal.me/scorpioraven

https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8X4uxrZyje