For many years, Indigenous activists have been calling for reparations and other forms of compensation to make up for the terrible events of the past, including genocide and displacement. Recently, there has been a significant step forward: the US military is formally apologizing to a Native Alaskan tribe for a tragic event that happened over a century ago.
The Tragic Events
More than 100 years ago, the US military attacked two villages in Alaska, causing many deaths and suffering. The village of Kake was one of those places. On a recent Saturday, a representative from the US Navy expressed deep regret for the burning of Kake, where many families lost their homes and lives. Another apology is planned for next month to mark the 142nd anniversary of the destruction of Angoon, another village that suffered a similar fate.
Joel Jackson, the president of the Organized Village of Kake, said, “It’s a long time coming.” He hopes that this apology will help the community start healing from the pain caused by these past wrongs. This apology is more than just words; it represents 155 years of suffering and struggle for the Tlingit people, also known as the Lingít.
The Impact of Violence
The Navy’s spokeswoman, Julianne Leinenveber, acknowledged the “wrongful” attacks that led to “multigenerational trauma” for the Tlingit people. Their oral history has preserved the memory of these devastating events, highlighting the long-lasting effects of violence on their community.
The relationship between the US government and Native Americans has often been filled with conflict, especially after the US purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867. A treaty signed in the early 1800s had previously helped maintain peace between Russia and Indigenous peoples, but the US military soon adopted a policy that allowed them to use deadly force to assert control over the territory.
Misunderstandings due to differences in language and culture often resulted in violent attacks on Native settlements. One tragic incident in 1869 involved the killing of two unarmed Lingít men, which led to retaliation and further violence.
The Attack on Kake
In a brutal attack, the USS Saginaw shelled Kake, and troops came in, destroying homes, canoes, and food supplies. This devastation left many residents homeless and starving during the harsh winter months, leading to further loss of life. Years later, the village of Angoon faced a similar tragedy when the military refused to provide compensation for the death of a respected Lingít medicine man.
A survivor from that time, a 13-year-old boy, remembered being left homeless on the beach after the attack. His testimony highlights the horrific impact of these events on young lives.
A History of Suffering
These attacks are part of a long and painful history of how Western powers have treated Indigenous Americans. Earlier this year, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops issued an apology for its role in establishing boarding schools that caused immense suffering and death among Native children. Additionally, an Alaska lawmaker publicly apologized for downplaying serious issues like sexual assault faced by Native Alaskans, who continue to be more vulnerable to violence.
Joel Jackson poignantly stated, “We weren’t at war with the US; they declared war on us.” He emphasizes that these attacks were not acts of war but brutal bombings against innocent people. The community continues to seek justice and recognition for the suffering they endured.
Moving Forward
As Indigenous activists continue to push for reparations and recognition of their suffering, these recent apologies from the US military represent a crucial step in addressing the past. While words alone cannot erase the pain, they open the door for healing and reconciliation, allowing both the military and the Tlingit people to work toward a more just future.
