STA Statement
Dear Editor: This letter is to acknowledge to the Sitka community that a crime is alleged to have been committed by an individual who was an employee of Sitka Tribe of Alaska but has since been terminated. This employee was employed by the STA Language and Education Department as the Home to School Liaison since last winter. He is no longer an employee of STA, having been terminated as of September 14, 2015.
The criminal complaint alleges a breach of every area of trust given by the STA as his employer, by co-workers, students of the Sitka School District and the citizens of Sitka. Our children are the most treasured and vulnerable people in our community. STA will not permit any person to use a position of trust to prey upon anyone, most especially a child who is a tribal citizen.
I want to assure you that STA took and still takes every precaution within legal limits to ensure all potential employees are thoroughly screened and their background checked – especially those working within the school system in our Language and Education Department. This former employee cleared this background check and by all indications, was well liked in the community and a good fit for his position as the Home to School Liaison which included the Boys and Girls Club activities.
We are working closely with the Sitka Police Department, the Sitka School District, and Sitkans Against Family Violence (SAFV) to work through this time to support the victim and her family. We ask that you provide prayers for the victim and her family for strength to deal with the pain this has brought to them. The case is now in the hands of the court system. Consequently, STA employees cannot comment on the details of this legal matter.
A spokesperson from SAFV advises parents to check in with their children, especially teens. It’s a good time to familiarize them with the laws surrounding consent; and SAFV will update any parent or teen who calls to clarify the laws. Also, when something like this happens, it can trigger anyone and cause a variety of disruptive feelings. If anyone is experiencing a change in sleep patterns, anxiety, displaced anger, hyper vigilance, or just needs to vent, please consider a close friend or call and speak to a SAFV advocate at any time at 747-3370.
STA is honored to be in partnership with the Sitka School District, Sitka Native Education Program (SNEP), Boys and Girls Clubs, the Sitka Police Department, and SAFV as all continue to support our citizens in Sitka – especially our children. The SNEP program is unparalleled in any school district for its focus on Native cultural education within the school curriculum. The program, because of the mission and collaboration, will continue to be strong in spite of this setback. STA will also remain strong because of our wonderful partners who stand with us.
If you know of any children or families who may also be impacted by any such breach of trust, please contact the Sitka Police Department or SAFV as soon as possible.
Michael Baines,
Tribal Chairman,
Sitka Tribe of Alaska
Benefit Thanks
Dear Editor: The village of Port Protection wants to thank all the businesses, newspapers, radio stations and individuals who donated to our recent benefit auction. Thanks too to all the people who bid and bought items. Your generosity made the auction a success. The tragic death of our fine young neighbor touched people deeply, and brought out the best in everyone. The success of the auction is a tribute to Johnny Botello and his family, but also to the huge heart of Southeast Alaska.
Gretchen Goldstein, Port Protection
Neighbor’s Action Auction
Endorses Potrzuski
Dear Editor: We are writing to endorse Bob Potrzuski for election to the Sitka Assembly. We have known him for over 30 years and we know him to be an honest, intelligent, hardworking, caring and conscientious man. We probably won’t always agree with the stances he takes or the votes he makes but we know he will always act in the best interests of Sitka after thoroughly investigating the issues.
Bob has lived a life of service: as a teacher, as a championship winning coach at the high school and, as a volunteer in the church. It is fitting that he takes this next step in service to the community.
We are voting for Bob. We hope you do, too.
Ted Howard, Julie Schmitts, Sitka
