Happy Holidays, Sitka
Dear Editor: The Sitka Cancer Survivor’s Society is very proud to be a part of Sitka’s community for over 15 years.
Our mission statement is “To honor, educate, comfort and inspire individuals and families affected by cancer.” And with the generosity of this community we continue to be able to give $500 mini-grants to individuals in Sitka in need of assistance who are dealing with cancer. The gift of the mini-grant will make a difference in their lives.
Our Path of Hope Park is an inspirational park and meant to give hope to all people facing life’s tough challenges. Please take an opportunity to visit because we know you will be pleasantly surprised. It is located above the Moller Park running track. The park is a gift to the community of Sitka from all Cancer Survivors, their families and friends, and is a place to reflect, enjoy and think about each of our futures.
We also sponsor a Cancer Support Group which meets at the Pioneers Home Manager’s House once a month on a Sunday. Thank you to MaryBeth Palof for continuing to lead the group and provide refreshments.
Thank you to the 20-plus members of the Ocean Wave Quilt Guild who again donated the beautiful dragonfly quilt for the drawing on Dec. 6. The lucky winner was Christine Griffin of British Columbia. Many fabrics were from the Nancy Gustavson collection and Alice Cameron did the quilting. Second place was Harvey Brandt of Sitka who won the Kimona quilt, quilted and donated by Sarah Jordan. Tiffany Jansen was the winner of the wonderful handmade moccasins, donated by our own Linda Janacek. Our appreciation to all of the quilters and volunteers who helped sell tickets, and especially this community for purchasing the tickets. To the Sitka Emblem Club 146 for their help with our raffle, a special Thank you.
Without individuals and business donors, volunteers giving of their time, talents and treasures the Sitka Cancer Survivor’s Society could not do what they do.
Sitka Cancer Survivor’s Society says “THANK YOU.” We wish everyone a beautiful Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2016. Blessings,
Sitka Cancer Survivor’s Society Board of Directors:
Susan Suarez, Deborah Lyons,
Debbie Owen, Bonnie Richards,
Jill Scheidt, Linda Janacek
and Candi Barger
Protect S.E. Rivers
Dear Editor: The following letter was sent to Gov. Bill Walker and Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott.
Háw’aa! Gunalchéesh! On behalf of the United Tribal Transboundary Mining Work Group, thank you for your leadership on the pressing issue of mining development occurring in the British Columbian headwaters of several of Alaska’s vital rivers. We also appreciate your administration’s recognition of the inherent sovereign status of the Tribes existing in Alaska. This simple acknowledgment of respect was long overdue.
The cultural survival of our indigenous citizens depends on our ability to maintain our cultural values, practice our ancient traditions, and control and govern our own communities. Our traditional values are inexorability linked to the land and water within now international transboundary watersheds. Our culture and communities depend on the maintenance of the clean water and water life these rivers provide to assure a strong economy and cultural framework for future generations.
The UTTMWG represents 14 Southeast Alaska Native tribes that have lived and prospered in relationship with these rivers and the fish and wildlife they support. Since our culture is forever associated with this land, our Tribal governments are more than just “stakeholders” in the relationship between Alaska and British Columbia. We are the indigenous people of the land.
We ask that your administration issue a formal request to refer this issue to the International Joint Commission under the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty. We ask you to recognize that this is not a bilateral issue solvable through an unenforceable agreement. This is an issue between state, province, federal authorities, tribal governments, and First Nation/indigenous governments.
The Alaska congressional delegation, Tribal governments, municipalities, and Native organizations including the National Congress of American Indians, the Alaska Native Brotherhood, and the Alaska Federation of Natives have all recognized the need for truly meaningful international engagement. The Southeast Alaska tribes must have the opportunity to guarantee the continuation and protection of our life and culture in order to truly exercise our sovereign rights. The IJC has over 100 years of experience avoiding and settling disputes between transboundary governments.
Further, the establishment of an International Watershed Commission under the Boundary Waters Treaty will provide opportunity for all parties to participate equally. It will make much-needed federal funding available and bring in more expertise. Even after a formal reference, the formation of an IJC action may take several years, so it is imperative that the State of Alaska act now. Further delay is unwarranted. Alaska will have many opportunities for input as this process moves forward.
The UTTMWG does not oppose the type of agreement described under the current MOU with BC. However, this represents only one tool that should be used to protect our rivers and communities. We implore the State of Alaska to formally request that the U.S. Department of State request a reference to the International Joint Commission to help resolve this issue prior to finalizing any other agreements.
We look forward to an expeditious decision on this matter.
Frederick Otilius Olsen Jr.,
Chairman, United Tribal
Transboundary Mining
Work Group
Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska
Craig Tribal Association
Douglas Indian Association
Hydaburg Cooperative Association
Ketchikan Indian Community
Klawock Cooperative Association
Chilkat Indian Village Klukwan
Metlakatla Indian Community
Organized Village of Kake
Organized Village of Kasaan
Organized Village of Saxman
Petersburg Indian Association
Wrangell Cooperative Association
Yakutat Tlingit Tribe
Cell Phone Use
Dear Editor: I’m getting weary of all the blatant nonsense Doug Osborne, and others, are spreading about ‘‘dangers’’ inherent in the use of cell phones. (Sentinel Dec. 10, 2015).
They’re claiming a ‘‘400 percent increase in traffic accidents due to talking on cell phones while driving.’’ Really ... that would equate to accidents increasing fourfold since the advent of cell phones 20 years, or so, ago. And, that is simply not true. Cell phones are used, more or less, constantly by taxi drivers and others. With apparently no correlated increase in accidents, whatsoever. In six years of almost constant cell phone use, my taxis have had zero accidents related to cell phones. I’d really hate to see the Assembly fall prey to that kind of bologna.
Sigurd Rutter, Sitka
