Canoe Team Benefit
Dear Editor: As the skipper of the Sitka canoe going to team, on their behalf I would like to say thanks to those who turned out for our fundraiser. Indian tacos and fried bread was enjoyed by all. The generosity of this community never ceases to amaze me. People not only paid what we were asking, but reached into their pockets and donated more.
The funds raised will go towards paying for the food, and other supplies or other unforeseen needs that arise for the team. The journey is partially sponsored by SEARHC Suicide Prevention, ANB/ANS, with support from the Tribe.
As you can imagine something like this is not on easy task and needs a lot of coordination and supplies for the team. Just to let you all know, we will be doing a raffle with some awesome prizes that were donated to the team: red and yellow cedar traditional woven hat by Natalie Brown; head band by Clara Gray; silver bracelet by Doug Chilton; sea otter pillow by Anna Bradley; kuspuk by Rachel Moreno; sea otter hat by Vanessa Bradley. The tickets will be sold at $5 apiece. The drawing will be held on May 19 at the ANB Founders Hall. If you would like to buy some tickets, make a donation or just want to hear about the journey you can give me a call at 738-5507.
Wilbur Brown, Sitka
A New Direction
Dear Editor: Sitka is truly an ancient place, and it is not often that it witnesses something completely new. Today, Sitka is seeing something for the first time. Shee Atika shareholders are asserting their ownership of their corporation through the use of three resolutions.
Shee Atika is the urban corporation established for the Sitka Tlingit by ANSCA. Through the groundwork laid by visionaries in the ANB and ANS, and through the determined efforts made by our elders, Shee Atika came into being.
Sadly, over the years apathy has taken root among many Shee Atika shareholders. It is understandable, as it seems that the board of directors have insulated themselves while limiting their interaction with shareholders.
This is changing. Shareholders are awakening to their roles. Three resolutions have been circulated, and they have enough shareholder support to appear on the corporation’s annual election ballot. One resolution limits the Board of Directors from using discretionary votes unless an independent candidate uses discretionary votes. The next resolution limits directors from using discretionary votes after completing their fourth term. The final resolution directly will remove specified directors.
There are many, many concerns that Shee Atika shareholders have, and they will be carefully laid out over the coming weeks. I ask that if you are a Shee Atika shareholder that you join us in respectfully reclaiming our ownership of the corporation.
This will never be about one person, two people, three people ... it’s about “us,” as caretakers being awake to our responsibility, and understanding that apathy is no refuge. It’s about picking up the right tools to exercise the power our ancestors provided for us.
Mike Kinville, Juneau
CBIM Thanks
Dear Editor: Sitkans Against Family Violence would like to thank MEHS wrestling coach Mike Kimber and his wrestling team for being the first sports team in Sitka to use Coaching Boys Into Men (or CBIM). CBIM is a program that provides high school athletic coaches with the conversation-starters they need to promote respectful behavior among their players and help prevent relationship abuse, harassment, and sexual assault.
The program, which comes from Futures Without Violence, explains why CBIM relies on coaches: “Coaches can play an extremely influential and unique role in the lives of young men, often serving as a parent or mentor to the boys they coach. Because of these special relationships, coaches are uniquely poised to positively influence how young men think and behave both on, and off, the field.”
Coach Kimber successfully spearheaded the use of Coaching Boys Into Men in Sitka. SAFV would like to publically thank him and his co-ed team for embracing the difficult conversations around topics of respect and abuse. According to one athlete, “More people should engage in this (program), because then there’d be more positive people out there.”
Programs like CBIM address risk factors, such as strict gender roles, cultural norms that support aggression, and lack of social support, that contribute to a variety of unhealthy behaviors later in life. When it comes to sexual assault, relationship abuse, or harassment, Coach Kimber feels strongly about his students and athletes: “I don’t want anyone to be a perpetrator, and I don’t want anyone to be a victim.” Thank you to Coach Kimber and his wrestling team for working to make our community a safer, healthier environment.
If you are an athletic coach and would like to learn more about Coaching Boys Into Men, contact SAFV at 747-3370 or e-mail Eleyna at vista@safv.org.
Eleyna Rosenthal,
AmeriCorps VISTA
Prevention Specialist,
Sitkans Against Family Violence
Mock Trial
Dear Editor: The Sitka High Mock Trial team wishes to thank everyone that contributed to our first and fourth place finishes at the state tournament on March 5. This year we traveled with two six-member teams, and eight of our students were first-time participants. We couldn’t have progressed so quickly without the continued support of this amazing community. Our students work very hard to write questions and review the case materials, and the hours of preparation were made easier knowing that so many people are behind them.
A huge thanks to Judge David George who adjudicated our final practice trial and provided sage advice for both witnesses and attorneys. And thanks to Christine Pate for assisting with everything from legal strategy to wardrobe. We also appreciate Teri Loree, Lindsey Jorgensen, Sondra Lundvick and Lyle Sparrowgrove for all their work to facilitate our travel and to manage student eligibility.
Finally, none of this would have been possible without the generous contributions from CHARR, the Sitka Rotary Club, and trial lawyers in both Sitka and Anchorage.
We are blessed to live in such a wonderful town.
Jude Pate and Howard Wayne, Sitka High Mock Trial Team
Crab Feed Thanks
Dear Editor: The BMS Jazz Band Valentine’s Day crab feed was a great success, thanks to so many. We appreciate the support we received from the following local businesses and organizations: Sea Mart Quality Foods, AC Lakeside, Pizza Express, McDonald’s, Kingfisher Charters and Sitka Summer Music Festival. We are also grateful to everyone who donated food for the meal, desserts for the auction, and those who so generously bid on the tasty treats.
The funds we raised helped the BMS Jazz Band members travel to Lafayette, California, where our Sitka students had many great experiences that served to broaden their minds both as musicians and people. Thanks to Sitka for being so generous with your support of our children.
Susan Brandt Ferguson for the
BMS Jazz Band Parents
