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Press Release
Oct. 6, 2005 (Radio Actuality)
OLD TUNIC MAKES STOP IN JUNEAU ON ITS WAY HOME
An old Chilkat Brown Bear tunic repatriated by the Klukwan Kaagwaantaan
made a stop in Juneau today on its way home.
Sealaska Heritage Institute held a reception for the tunic, Kaagwaantaan Clan Leader Joe Hotch and other Kaagwaantaans.
The institute repatriated the clan treasure from the Phoebe Hearst Museum in California on behalf of the Kaagwaantaan.
At today’s reception, Hotch described what he said to museum officials when he picked up the tunic on Tuesday.
“My grandfather’s item. I have come after you. We miss you and you will be our strength when you return. We’re waiting for you in Klukwan,” Hotch said.
Hotch plans to take the tunic on Friday to Klukwan, where it will be welcomed by the community.
Although initial tests and records indicated the tunic was contaminated with mercury, arsenic and DDT…it tested clean for lead, arsenic and mercury on Wednesday at the Burke Museum in Seattle.
Test results for DDT contamination won’t be known for a couple of weeks.
Hazardous substances in years past were used by curators to protect objects from insects and rodents.
Sealaska Heritage Institute is a private, nonprofit founded in 1981 to administer cultural and educational programs for Sealaska Corp. The institute is governed by an all-Native Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars. Its mission is to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska.
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CONTACT: Rosita Worl,
SHI President, 463-4844
- Joe Hotch, Klukwan Kaagwaantaan Clan Leader, TRT: :12 –My grandfather’s item. I have come after you. We miss you and you will be our strength when you return. We’re waiting for you in Klukwan. (Audio)