We requested that the Sentinel publish a photo of the Wrangell Tlingit & Haida Community Council so that we could be transparent as leaders in the Native community. The reason I asked was because I recalled seeing a picture of the local tribal leaders in my youth and admiring them and thinking, “Maybe someday, I came accomplish the same status.”
We were disappointed when we saw that only my picture along with Ed Rilatos was featured in a report in the June 14 Sentinel about totem pole work on Shakes Island.
We work hard to accomplish positive goals for Wrangell Tlingit and Haida citizens. With our funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, we were able to implement, with the administration of the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, the release of almost $500,000 to our citizens in Wrangell and those residing in other parts of the country, as well as giving money to the Wrangell Cooperative Association for its totem project.
The Wrangell Tlingit & Haida Community Council also received an award for the most active in having meetings in Southeast Tlingit and Haida small communities after being nominated by Luella Knapp at the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska annual assembly in Juneau this year.
We would have been happy to pay for the Sentinel to publish a photo of the Wrangell council.
In addition, there was one misperception printed in the Sentinel report. I was not “laughing or joking with Ed Rilatos.” He had hugged me in response to my emotionally driven comments regarding the taking down of our totems due to damage by the elements and time. I was laughing as a psychological release from sorrow and grief over this loss, not only to us but the tourists and visitors to this community and the possibility of repairing or assisting to replace a totem.
Susan G. Stevens
President
Wrangell Tlingit & Haida
Community Council
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