U.S. Navy Issues Apology for 1882 Bombardment of Tlingit Village in Alaska

It was on October 26, 1882, that the United States Navy launched a devastating bombardment of the little Tlingit hamlet of Angoon, which was located in the southeast region of Alaska. This event marked a tragic chapter in the settlement's history. Shells began to fall on the town as winter drew near, and sailors took it upon themselves to demolish homes, food caches, and canoes when they arrived. The predicament became so terrible that the elderly were forced to give their own lives in order to ensure that the children who were still alive would have something to eat.

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The commander of the Navy's northwest region, Rear Admiral Mark Sucato, made an apology during an emotional ceremony on the anniversary of the disaster. This was a significant acknowledgment of the historical wrong that had occurred a long time ago. He is quoted as saying, "The Navy acknowledges the pain and suffering that has been inflicted upon the Tlingit people." In addition to causing and inflicting intergenerational pain on these clans, we accept that these unjust actions resulted in the loss of life, the loss of resources, and the loss of culture.

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The Navy's apology, which was broadcast live from Angoon, highlights the fact that it is aware of the long-term consequences of its conduct and understands that this moment of regret has been long overdue. The ritual serves as a reminder of the wide-ranging effects of historical injustices committed against Indigenous peoples, as well as the significance of reconciliation and healing for the Tlingit community.

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