Tlingit families settled in the area from around Southeast Alaska, many from the Taku River area. They lived along the waterfront between the mine and the town of Douglas in the Douglas Indian Village on houses set on pilings.

They named the village Anx Yaa Andagan Ye', which translates to the place where the sun first hits.

The Natives were employed as laborers at the Treadwell mines and for construction of the Treadwell Ditch which brought water to the mills.