News from the Senate Majority
Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

Senate Asks for Angoon Apology

For Immediate Release: March 6, 1998 Contact: David Gray, Assistant to Senator Jerry Mackie, at (907) 465-4925.

Juneau – The Senate Friday unanimously passed a Senate Joint Resolution 38, sponsored by Senator Jerry Mackie (D-Craig), urging the United States government to apologize for a naval attack on the village of Angoon in the early territorial history of Alaska. The action was caused by a dispute between the village and a whaling company over the accidental death of a tribal member in the company's employment.

In the early winter of 1882, the U.S. Navy interceded by shelling and burning the village and its food stores. The attack resulted in serious injuries and the death of six children. In the aftermath, the residents of Angoon struggled to survive the difficult winter without adequate shelter or food supplies.

"Memories and recollections of the injustice are still very much alive among the residents of Angoon," Mackie stated. "Almost every family was deeply affected in some way by the death and destruction."

From talking with elders in the village, Mackie said it was felt that a simple apology from the U.S. government would go a long way to bring closure to the incident. The resolution urges Bill Clinton, President of the United States, to formally apologize to the village of Angoon.

SJR 38 will now go the House for its consideration.

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= Jerry Mackie, 28 K