The Tlingit community was well-known for its exceptional artisan skills, particularly in trading and commerce. Being a group of hunter-gatherers, they frequently moved from one place to another, allowing them to interact with several other tribes and enhance their trading expertise. The Tlingit were highly skilled weavers, jewelers, and artists who used their talents to exchange clothing and jewelry for canoes from neighboring tribes. During the late 16th century, the Tlingit people and Russian prospectors had a friendly encounter initially. However, tensions arose when there were disagreements over trade routes, leading to a violent conflict.