In a significant gesture of reconciliation, Rear Adm. Mark Sucato, the commander of the Navy’s northwest region, issued a formal apology for the US Navy's role in the 1882 bombardment of Angoon, a Tlingit village in southeastern Alaska. The apology, delivered during a ceremony on the anniversary of the atrocity, acknowledged the pain and suffering inflicted upon the Tlingit people, resulting in loss of life, resources, culture, and intergenerational trauma.
Angoon, a village of about 420 people, was devastated when sailors landed and burned homes, food caches, and canoes, leading to dire conditions that forced elders to sacrifice their lives to save food for surviving children. The attack, part of a series of conflicts between the American military and Alaska Natives in the post-1867 era, caused deaths, loss of resources, and multigenerational trauma.
While the village received a settlement in 1973, leaders have long sought an apology, with yearly remembrances beginning by asking for one. The Navy's acknowledgment and apology come after similar gestures for other incidents involving Alaska Natives, reflecting a commitment to addressing historical injustices.
Today, Angoon stands as a quaint village in the Tongass National Forest, known for its ecotourism industry and natural beauty. The apology signifies a step towards healing and reconciliation for the Tlingit community, acknowledging the enduring impact of past atrocities.
The Navy's recognition of the tragic events in Angoon and its commitment to honoring the Tlingit oral tradition demonstrate a willingness to confront difficult historical truths and work towards a more inclusive and respectful future.
