Street Name Change
Dear Editor: I stand corrected in my idea to change the name of Lincoln Street to Elizabeth Peratovich Street.
Friends, who also are Sitka elders, tell me that the idea is too divisive, implying criticism by one group of Sitkans of another group of Sitkans. They suggested we think of a name that is a “people” name, a name that can appeal to all the people of Sitka. They suggested Tsha Nah Way (spelling?).
Tsha Nah translates as the way of wisdom and learning, or as ‘‘grandparent.’’ My friends thought it was not important which language was used to name the street. Since Elizabeth Peratrovich is a grandparent of all Alaska, who lived in the way of wisdom and learning, she would be happy with the name my friends suggested.
I like the suggestion, since this name would help set the story of Sitka straight as we tell it among ourselves, would enrich the narrative we wish to project to the world, and would appeal to visitors, helping our economic future, our subsistence. Thanks for listening.
John Welsh, Sitka
Petition Against HB77
Dear Editor: How to plug this serious leak in our leadership? Do what you can to upend HB77.
The health of Alaska’s salmon fisheries is world renown and it is for a reason! We cannot allow DNR supreme authority regarding water use as it affects good stream management for fish. Whether we subsist, recreate or profit, we all depend on healthy runs of fish. What we have, works and is the envy of a world beset by endangered fish stocks. HB77 is a joke, but who is laughing. To sign a petition against this bill, Google ‘‘stand for salmon.org’’ and chime in please.
Gary Mulligan, Port Alexander
