US Navy Apologises for 1882 Attack on Tlingit Village in Alaska, Acknowledging Historical Atrocity

The US Navy has issued an apology for its actions in the Tlingit village of Angoon, Alaska, 142 years ago. On October 26, 1882, the Navy shelled the village, leading to the destruction of homes and food supplies. This event caused severe hardship, with elders sacrificing themselves to save food for children. Rear Adm. Mark Sucato expressed regret during a ceremony marking the anniversary.

"The Navy recognizes the pain and suffering inflicted upon the Tlingit people, and we acknowledge these wrongful actions resulted in the loss of life, the loss of resources, the loss of culture, and created and inflicted intergenerational trauma on these clans," Sucato stated at the event. "The Navy takes the significance of this action very, very seriously and knows an apology is long overdue."

Historical Context and Previous Apologies

Angoon's destruction was part of a series of conflicts between Alaska Natives and American forces after the US acquired Alaska from Russia in 1867. The Navy recently apologised for destroying Kake village in 1869. The Army also plans to apologise for shelling Wrangell that same year. These apologies acknowledge deaths and trauma caused by military actions.

Julianne Leinenveber, a Navy spokesperson, stated before the ceremony that "an apology is not only warranted, but long overdue." The Navy acknowledges its role in causing deaths and multigenerational trauma through its actions in Angoon and Kake.

The Events Leading to Angoon's Destruction

The incident began with the accidental death of Tlingit shaman Tith Klane. He died when a harpoon gun exploded on a whaling ship owned by North West Trading Co. Accounts differ on what followed. The Navy claims tribal members demanded compensation for Klane's death, while Tlingit accounts suggest no hostages were taken.

Naval Cmdr. E.C. Merriman demanded 400 blankets as punishment for disobedience when he arrived on October 25. The Tlingits provided only 81 blankets by the deadline. Merriman then ordered an attack that destroyed homes, canoes, and food stores.

Impact on Angoon's Community

Six children died during the attack, with many more elderly and infants succumbing to cold and hunger that winter. Billy Jones, nephew of Tith Klane, recalled being left homeless on the beach at age 13. His account was included in a booklet for the bombing's centennial in 1982.

Rosita Worl from Sealaska Heritage Institute described how some elders sacrificed themselves by "walking into the forest" to save food for younger people. Despite conflicting accounts between Navy records and Tlingit oral history, the Navy respects the tribe's version due to its lasting impact.

The Apology's Significance

Tlingit leaders were initially speechless when informed via Zoom in May that an apology was forthcoming. Daniel Johnson Jr., a tribal head in Angoon, highlighted how generations have sought answers and an apology since 1882.

Eunice James from Juneau, a descendant of Tith Klane, hopes this apology aids healing for her family and community. She believes her ancestor's spirit will be present at the ceremony alongside those of many lost ancestors.

Today, Angoon remains a small village of about 420 people on Admiralty Island within Tongass National Forest. It fosters ecotourism with abundant wildlife like brown bears and bald eagles while maintaining its cultural heritage through colourful homes and totem poles.