Neilga Koogei Taija Revels was born in Hoonah, in the 60s. Her grandmother made regalia. She had only acrylic paint from school and a five-and-dime of polyester fabric to make her regalia back then.
Revels stated that she danced at the White House in this regalia. She danced at The White House in this regalia .”
Revels describes that period as “a kind of Renaissance” and says that her grandmother’s work is an important part of Hoonah’s history. After someone broke into her Juneau house while she was away, she is now searching online and in pawn shops for it.
The family of is offering a substantial reward with no questions asked.
Revels was named for her grandmother, Revels’ mother who died while Revels was still a teenager. She wore the regalia to every major life event and graduation after she received it. It allowed her to be more close to her memories, she says.
span style=”font weight: 400 ;”>” We have so little to do with her. Revels stated that we lost so many of her possessions after she died. Her house was ransacked at her funeral and the Hoonah fire.
Revels’ home was also robbed while she was away. She returned to Juneau on Wednesday and found her belongings scattered all over the place, as well as sticky fingerprints everywhere in the kitchen. They had broken into the house with a crowbar. It looked like someone lived there for many days.
Revels said that Revels was forced to give up her search for the regalia by a friend.
I was crying on my knees, going through all the clothes, and thinking, “It was just the garment bag, ripped open.” It was the garment bag. .”
Other items were also taken by the thieves, including gold beads, otter pellets, and moccasin tops her great-grandmother made in 1940s beading. Her PlayStationS5 and her MAC lipstick are also expensive.
She said that another irreplaceable item, aside from the regalia is the cherished bracelet she was gifted as a baby by Scott Douglas, the late silversmith.
She said that this latest loss of family heirlooms is a reminder of the trauma her family has suffered for generations. She hopes that someone will recognize the regalia and call Juneau police (907) 523-7700 if they have any information.
She said, “Font-weight: 400 ;”>” I gu.aa.yax: Have courage to say something.” It would be so meaningful. Our family has been through so much .”
Revels claims that police informed her Thursday night that they had a person of concern in the case. She claims they found a few items, but not her regalia.
