It has come to my attention that a recent correction published in the March 11 Wrangell Sentinel stating that Meda DeWitt was removed from the Naanya.aayi clan is based on inaccurate information.

DeWitt remains a member of the Naanya.aayi Xʼátgu Hít (Mudshark House) and is a respected member in good standing of the Wrangell Naanya.aayí clan. Unfortunately, the misunderstanding stems from confusion regarding the process and authority to define Tlingit clan membership and Naanya.aayi leadership roles.

Some historical context: Seven historical houses exist within the Naanya.aayi clan of Wrangell, of which the Sentinel communicated with leadership of one.

I am Luella Knapp, matrilineal descent and established clan mother of the Mudshark House. To help in sorting out who has authority, I have represented the Naanya.aayi clan in ḵu.éexʼ and repatriation efforts through the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act for more than a decade. I have the documentation and cultural backing to represent my house of the clan, along with Levi Rinehart, named speaker of the Mudshark House in July 2025, to make the claim supporting DeWitt’s clan status.

Kevin Callahan, house leader of the Xʼátgu Naasí Hít (Mudshark Intestines House), does not have the authority to define who is or is not a Naanya.aayí clan member outside of his house. Xʼátgu Naasí Hít clan member DaNika Smalley often represents Callahan in Wrangell, given that he resides outside of Alaska.

Important points include:

The newspaper correction stated that Meda Dewitt is not a Naanya.aayí clan member, this is a false statement. A prompt correction is requested.

During the July 2025 event at the Wrangell High School gym, Callahan disrespected the Tlingit and Haida tribal protocols, the Naanya.aayí clan, Dewitt, Tlingit and Haida President Richard Petersen and Gail Dubaluz (Tlingit and Haida deputy chief operating officer.

This speech was recorded and later circulated in an edited form, further extending the damage. It does not reflect the full context of the remarks or the circumstances under which they were made. This house conflict became public at that time and we continue to work toward a solution with the other house.

Callahan and any Mudshark Intestines House members are not decision makers or spokespeople for the Mudshark House of the Naanya.aayí clan of Wrangell.

Gunalchéesh,
Luella Knapp