Sponsor Statement for SJR 38

Angoon Bombardment

I introduced SJR 38 to bring closure and finality to an incident that occurred in the early years of Alaska’s territorial history that continues to be a painful memory to the people of Angoon. The incident was the naval attack that destroyed the village in the early winter of 1882. 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. The U.S. Navy interceded by shelling and burning the village and its food stores. In addition to suffering injuries and loss of life, 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 residents of Angoon. Almost every family was deeply affected in some way from the death and destruction. It is the opinion of elders in the community that a simple apology by the U.S. government would bring closure and finality to the incident. It would redress long standing feelings of disrespect and victimization by the federal government and its lack of acknowledging the unfortunate event. The resolution requests that President Clinton issue an apologize to the people of Angoon.