This Thursday Klukwan inhabitants held a water blessing ceremony to celebrate this Chilkat lake and its lives it provides to the valley.
In the midst of a constant rain organizers put up shelters and lit an open fire near the bridge that crosses the Klehini River, 26 miles from Haines. They gathered around and watched Lani Hotch recount the tale of the way Raven brought water and fresh air into the entire world.
“We have deep roots in this area and are aware of our obligation to safeguard the river for generations to come who will be in this area,” Hotch said. “And not just us humans. The eagles are neighbors, and bears have our back, and so are the wolves are our neighbors.”
Hotch claimed she has seen the eagles eat salmon from the river, and sometimes using her fishing net. She has often found the remains of these fish in the base of trees. The carcasses break down into soil and nourish the trees, which keeps the forest healthy. Hotch explained that this healthy connection is at risk due to The Palmer project, a huge hard rock mine being constructed upstream from her village.
“We do not want mining, and we don’t even need mining,” Hotch said. “Extraction economies are destructive and not something to put the hopes of. It’s not going to pay off over the long term. The salmon have been a source of food for our people for generations.”
The number of people in the crowd was more than 150 people in the afternoon. The event’s organizer Nancy Keen led children in music and games.
“We write a message on the wood. It is a prayer for the waters,” she said. “Klehini River. Just say a prayer and then return it to the river. We now have youngsters here, and they’re planning to do the same.”
The crowd headed towards the bridge with banners: “Nurture our wild river.” “We are all part of this.” “Protect your Klehini.” “Our rhythms are interconnected, and unchangeable.” “No for”the” Palmer project, make sure you keep the river clear.”
They sat on the bridge’s middle, and were waiting to hear Lani Hotch’s voice to be heard. She was dressed in her Chilkat River robe, with symbols that represented all five kinds of Salmon who return to spawn within the watershed.
Hotch began the ceremony with “Father God, Our Creator. The ever-present Spirit. We are in need of your help today. We want to protect the river. to safeguard it. It should run in good health, and in perpetuity, for ever.”
The participants threw their wood pieces and their sacraments in the river. Tribal Council President Kimberley Strong spoke.
“I believe that we’ve never declared that we’re opposed to the mining industry,” she said. “We are in favor of the environment and our way of life that our ancestors taught us. I am terrified of this acid hard rock mine, and the damage it can do to us.”
The crowd slowly walked away from the bridge.
Daniel Klanott is a resident of Klukwan and was present there for the event.
“I’m present today in order to join with everyone who is concerned about conserving water,”” He said. “We have to safeguard the water to ensure the protection of salmon, as salmon is an essential part of life in this region.”
Residents Jack Strong agreed.
“I live in Klukwan. It’s our life It has always been our daily routine for a number of many years. It’s hard to understand why we should alter our lives in any way. Why? What do you gain from the world? to take this and destroy it? Absolutely nothing,” he said.
Strong spoke about her part in the event.
“I’m not the one who created this event, but I’m here because, as a leader in the community, you must follow your people. So, I’m here to follow my community members who want to protect the environment, our river as well as our way of living.”
A global tribunal has accepted to examine the case that was filed by a coalition from Southeast Alaska Native groups. They say that pollution from upstream Canadian mining violates their rights to health, life well-being and “benefits of their culture.”
Nancy Keen said she sees this regional organization as positive.
“We are going to sit at the table and talk to these issues that we are aware that we have the right to discuss,” she said. “The inherent rights to our traditional food. How we will take care of our planet in a healthy manner.”
Hotch and Hotch.
“Why is it okay to dispose of hazardous waste? Could it be because we aren’t considered to be a part of the equation? What’s the problem? Social justice is needed for everyone. We will not relax and not talk about it. “This is our reality and this is our lifestyle and this is where we call house,” she said.
The representatives of Constantine Metals, who owns the Palmer project, didn’t answer a question for feedback regarding their relationship to Chilkat Indian Village. Chilkat Indian Village.
