Anchorage, Alaska – In a historic moment of reconciliation, the US Navyhas formally apologized for the destruction of an Alaskan Native village 142 years ago. The apology, delivered by Rear Admiral Mark Sucato, Commander of theNavy’s Northwest Region, came during an anniversary ceremony marking the devastating attack on the Tlingit village of Klukwan in 1882.
On October 26, 1882, the US Navy bombarded the village, home to approximately 420 Tlingit people. The attack resulted in the destruction of homes, food stores, and canoes. The village, already struggling after the US purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867, was left in ruins.
The Navy recognizes the pain and suffering endured by the Tlingit people, Rear Admiral Sucato stated during the ceremony.We acknowledge that these wrong actions resulted in the loss of life, resources, and culture, and have caused intergenerational trauma to the tribe.
The apology comes after decades of calls for accountability from the Tlingit community. In 1973, the village, which was rebuilt after the attack, reacheda settlement with the US Department of Interior, receiving $90,000 in compensation. However, Tlingit leaders have consistently sought a formal apology from the US Navy.
Every year at the anniversary ceremony, we would ask three times, ‘Is there anyone from the Navy here to apologize?’shared a Tlingit tribal leader. When Navy officials told us in May that they would finally apologize, we were so shocked that we were silent for five minutes.
The attack on Klukwan was one of several conflicts between the US military and Alaskan Natives following the US acquisition of the territory. The US Armyis also expected to apologize for a similar attack on another Alaskan village.
This apology comes amidst a growing awareness of the historical injustices faced by Native Americans and Alaskan Natives. In July, the US Department of Interior released a report detailing the deaths of at least 973 Native American children at government-run or supportedboarding schools between 1819 and 1969. The report called for a public apology from the federal government for its forced assimilation policies and compensation for victims.
President Biden also addressed the issue of historical injustices against Native Americans in a speech on October 25th, acknowledging the dark history of forced assimilation and pledging to work towards reconciliation.
The US Navy’s apology marks a significant step towards acknowledging the past and seeking healing for the Tlingit people. It also highlights the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition faced by Native Americans and Alaskan Natives across the United States.
References:
- Associated Press. (2024, October 26). US Navy apologizes for 1882 attack on Alaskan Native village.
- Xinhua News Agency. (2020, November 10). Native Americans in the US face challenges in preserving their culture.
- Foreign Policy. (2023, May 2). Native Americans remain on the margins in the US.
- US Department of Interior. (2023, July 30). Report on the Deaths of Native American Children at Boarding Schools.
- White House. (2024, October25). President Biden speaks on the history of forced assimilation of Native Americans.
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