Indigenous Culture
Dear Editor: For many years I’ve been reading letters in this column of locals on how grateful they are for the help they received from friends and neighbors at times of sickness or misfortune, or of visitors on their appreciation for the kindness or services they received in Sitka. I experienced this, too, when I moved here over 26 years ago. I always wondered why this is the case, this exceptional kindness I experience in this wonderful town.
Knowing that I will stay here forever I learned about the Indigenous culture. I learned about the ancient values that made survival of the people possible for more than 10,000 years. Let’s put this in historical context: the Egyptian culture began about 8,000 years ago, and the Sumerian 6,000. Yet here we live with fellow Sheet’kans who know their ancestors were right here thousands of years earlier. A strict code for survival of all was developed based on appreciation for the land, strength of body, mind, and spirit, care for family, respect for elders and future generations, social harmony including sharing of assets, and respect for others and all things.
These values ensured the longevity of this culture. This is what I am trying to say: for me, the friendliness, respect and sharing that we all experience and benefit from is based on what has been here since time immemorial. It is not the physical beauty of Sitka that makes it special, but the beauty of its Indigenous people, as an invisible force we all enjoy.
My heart is deeply filled with gratitude and love for my Lingit friends and mentors who took the time to explain their history and ways of living to me. I am baffled that so many newcomers like me are not made aware of the history and traditional values our Lingit friends can teach us: ways to live together, care for the land and each other, and let families thrive. May future generations live here for millenia. Gunalchéesh.
Martina Kurzer, Sitka
Ocean Ranger Program
Dear Editor: As commercial fishermen traveling to and from the fishing grounds, we have seen an increase in pollution by the cruise industry, both water and air. The summer of 2019 was very concerning. The mixing zone between Chatham Straits and Frederick Sound where it is legal for the cruise ships to dump their grey water was streaked with blackish foamy water pollution miles long and hundreds of feet wide. The hillsides were lined with blue smoke from their exhaust scrubbers that clung to the trees all summer long. Department of Environmental office in Juneau told us that they had many complaints of the same thing I was reporting.
The State of Alaska has a responsibility to protect the environment for the public and for the land, waters and wildlife of our extraordinary state.
The Ocean Ranger program is funded by a $4 per-berth fee paid by cruise ship passengers. No general funds are used to support this program.
The voters created the Ocean Ranger program because they wanted a level of monitoring to ensure that the laws and regulations are followed.
Jason Brune, commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation wants to remove the program.
Both he and the governor oppose the Ocean Ranger program, and have stated they consider the program targeting the cruise industry as inappropriate and offensive.
The program still exists in state law, and all Alaskans should be concerned that these floating cities could go unchecked.
Alaska cruising is huge in the industry; there will be more than ever after the pandemic recovery. They need to know they are being watched so that they adhere to environmental standards. We can welcome tourism and still protect our beautiful state and resources.
Email jason.brune@alaska.gov. Let him know Alaskans want to keep the Ocean Ranger program.
Mark and Karen Severson, Sitka
