Alaska
Reparations Made by Quaker Group in Alaska
By Isaac White
In an unprecedented move towards reconciliation and healing, the Alaskan branch of the Quakers, a religious group historically involved in the forced assimilation of Native youth across the United States, has made a significant gesture of restitution to the Indigenous community of Kake, Southeast Alaska. On January 19, members of this group personally delivered a check for $93,000, accompanied by a heartfelt four-page apology, to the Organized Village of Kake, a community deeply scarred by the legacy of a Quaker-run mission school that operated from 1891 to 1912.
The Alaska Friends Conference (AFC), a small but dedicated group within the Friends General Conference, is predominantly composed of White members who are keenly aware of their organization’s historical role in the assimilation policies. Their ongoing efforts to atone for past injustices are part of a broader movement towards reconciliation and healing.
The Quakers, formally known as the Religious Society of Friends, were instrumental in the federal government’s efforts from 1819 through 1970 to eradicate Native culture, language, and traditions through a nationwide network of over 500 boarding schools. In Alaska those institutions existed, with the Quakers directly managing schools across the country. The school in Kake is a stark reminder of this painful chapter in American history, where the goal was to ‘civilize’ Native children by stripping away their identity and heritage.
Joel Jackson, the tribal president of the roughly 500-person village of Kake highlighted the profound impact of the reparations. The funds are earmarked for the creation of a tribal healing center, a beacon of hope intended to mend the deep-seated trauma inflicted on Alaska Native people. The legacy of these schools, as Jackson poignantly recalled, has manifested in devastating social issues within the community, including alcoholism, substance abuse, and a suicide crisis that peaked in the late 1980s with 15 suicides.
The group acknowledged that the treatment on the Native people affected by the Quakers of past years was varied:
“We apologize that Friends also banned dancing, teaching that it was evil and creating repercussions across generations. To lose dancing is to lose an important way to celebrate, communicate, share stories, and a deeply spiritual way of life. For the dances and traditions lost, we sincerely apologize.”
Acknowledging the “direct harms” and the “personal, cumulative, and ongoing” impact of colonization, the Quaker’s apology resonates with a community in dire need of healing. The proposed tribal healing center, which will occupy a leased abandoned U.S. Forest Service building, symbolizes a critical step towards addressing the intergenerational trauma. With plans to open by late summer, the center will provide programs rooted in Native values and traditions, catering to 16 individuals at a time.
The group also took time in the apology to let people know their faith and conduct in the past isn’t a true representation of who they intend to be:
“At the core of our Quaker faith is non-violence, founded on a recognition of that of God in every human being. The forcible separation of families, broken bonds of language, and attacks which undermined culture and traditions, endorsed and pursued by people identifying as Quakers, means that Friends actively denied and failed to see your full humanity.
We are aware that the direct harms caused by our failure remain personal, cumulative, and ongoing.
We will do more than simply acknowledge the harm we have caused. We pledge to teach ourselves and our children about this wrong. We will formally and collectively ask ourselves what wrongs we may still be perpetrating in ignorance or bigotry, and hold ourselves accountable. We believe there should be reparations and restitution for the harms from the Boarding School system. We will actively identify reparations we can make while also advocating for them in broader society. Alaska Friends Conference endorses the formation of a federal Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies and will continue to support Alaska Native rights, self-determination, and sovereignty.”
The Alaska Friends, the state’s Quaker group, remains committed to supporting the healing process, not only through financial reparations but also by fostering understanding and collaboration. They have pledged to sponsor five young adults to lobby in Washington D.C. for the establishment of a Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding Schools Policy Act. This legislative effort aims to hold the federal government accountable for its role in the boarding school policies, with recommendations for protecting unmarked graves, supporting repatriation, and addressing modern-day child removal policies.
The commission, if established, would mark a significant advancement in uncovering the truth and facilitating healing, endowed with the power to subpoena records from private entities and government agencies. This capability is critical for tracing the fates of children who attended these schools, identifying their tribal affiliations, and locating unmarked graves.
As the community of Kake looks towards the future, the prospect of a healing center offers a tangible means of confronting and healing from the scars of the past. The reparations and apology from the Quakers serve as a significant, albeit initial, step in acknowledging the injustices perpetrated against Alaska Native communities. The path towards healing is long and complex, but with initiatives like these, there is hope for restoring lost identities and rebuilding stronger, more resilient communities.
The Friends also made clear the responsibility for their transformation is theirs and that none of their personal journey falls upon the Native people to fix it for them:
“It is not the responsibility of Alaska Native people to help us to transform our behavior. At the same time, we see that our acting without first listening has contributed to great harm. We seek your guidance and input to ensure reparations are done on your terms that will help your communities heal. We ask for forgiveness and pledge to walk beside you as we work together for healing and transformation.”
The story of Kake, and the gesture of the Quakers, underscores the importance of confronting our collective history to move forward. It serves as a poignant reminder of the power of apology, the necessity of reparations, and the enduring strength of communities in the face of adversity. As we reflect on this chapter of American history, the efforts in Kake illuminate the potential for healing, reconciliation, and ultimately, a more just and equitable society.
Two US soldiers were wounded by a brown bear during a training exercise in Alaska on Thursday, the US Army stated.
Anchorage Daily News reported that the soldiers were from the 11th Airborne Division, and that the exercise had been a “land navigation training event” near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
State wildlife officials said that the bear attack seemed to be a defensive one, from a bear which had recently emerged from its den. Staff members from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game collected evidence at the scene in an attempt to learn more about the bear, such as its species and gender.
“The incident is currently under investigation, and we are working closely with installation authorities and local wildlife officials to gather all relevant information and ensure the safety of all personnel in the area,” the 11th Airborne Division said in a statement, reported ABC News.
ABC News also cited an 11th Airborne Division spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Jo Nederhoed, who said that the two soldiers had been seriously wounded, but were receiving care at a hospital in Anchorage, and had shown improvement by Saturday morning.
“We hope both individuals have a full and quick recovery, and our thoughts are with them during this time,” Fish and Game Regional Supervisor Cyndi Wardlow said in a statement reported by Anchorage Daily News. “In this case, having bear spray with them in the field may have saved their lives.”
Both of the soldiers reportedly had and used bear spray during the attack.
The bear’s condition and whereabouts are currently unknown.
Up, up and away … that’s where most travel prices are going.
It’s true. Not only are our nation’s geopolitical thrusts in the Mideast affecting the cost of your fill-ups, every component of your trip from airfares to car rentals and hotel stays are subject to price hikes.
Imagine filling up a jetliner with jet fuel that’s doubled in price. It’s enough to melt your credit card, regardless of the number of points you get for every dollar spent!
Because the price of oil affects everything, higher prices are eating away at your travel budget in many ways.
Bag fees
There’s lots of press on this. All airlines are increasing their checked-bag fees because of the jump in fuel prices.
Back in 2009, Alaska Airlines instituted a $15 fee for the first checked bag and $25 for the second bag. At the time, there was no charge for the first bag and a second bag was $25.
Last week, Alaska Airlines, along with other major airlines, increased its fees to $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second bag. Delta Air Lines charges the same.
Even if the cost of oil comes down, I don’t expect bag fees will ever be reduced.
Travelers who live in Alaska are somewhat insulated from the new hikes because both Delta and Alaska Airlines offer two free checked bags, with conditions:
1. Alaska offers two free checked bags for travelers flying to or from Alaska who are enrolled in Club 49. This does not affect other flights on Alaska. Separately, ATMOS credit card holders can get a free checked bag. Also, elite members of the ATMOS scheme get one or two free checked bags systemwide.
2. Delta offers two free checked bags for travelers flying to or from Alaska who are SkyMiles members who live in Alaska. Again, this does not apply to other Delta flights. Separately, Delta American Express cardholders can get a free checked bag.
3. Elite-level travelers with the oneworld airline cartel, including Alaska Airlines, can get one or two checked bags on American, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Qantas or other oneworld carriers.
[Anchorage’s international airport rolls out self-driving wheelchairs]
Main Cabin vs. Basic Economy
The spread between the lowest available price, Basic Economy, and a more flexible ticket, Main Cabin, has increased. While the difference used to be $20-$30 each way when the Basic Economy scheme was introduced in 2018, the round-trip upcharge now can exceed $100.
For example, the lowest Basic fare to Portland is $337 round-trip on Alaska Airlines. The upcharge to Main Cabin, with full loyalty points, pre-assigned seats and more flexibility on changes and cancellations, is $447, a 33% upcharge.
This trend is not specifically attributable to the new Iran War. It’s just a cost that continues to rise.
New fees
I’m impressed at the creativity of airline people who dream up new fees. Here are some of my favorites from Alaska Airlines:
1. Phone reservations: $15
2. Partner award booking fee: $12.50
3. Pet travel fee: $100 in the cabin, $200 in the baggage compartment with a kennel
4. Left on board item return fee: $20
On Condor Airlines, operating the only nonstop service from Anchorage to Europe, travelers can choose from four different bundles in economy class. The least-expensive, Economy Zero, from $840 round-trip, features fees for travelers:
1. Carry-on bag fee, up to 8kg: $35; a small bag like a purse always is included for free
2. Checked bag: $75
3. Airport check-in: $30
All three of these fees are included in the next-highest fare bucket, Economy Classic, from $900 round-trip. It’s cheaper to buy the bundle than it is to buy the components a la carte. Seat assignments are additional, from $25 for economy.
Airfares on the rise
There are a few good deals available for travel to select West Coast/Intermountain destinations in May, including:
1. Anchorage-San Francisco on Alaska Airlines, from $307 round-trip. Fly May 15-28 only. Add $90 round-trip for Main cabin.
2. Anchorage-Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines, from $317 round-trip. May 15-25 only. Add $90 round-trip for Main.
3. Anchorage-Phoenix on United, Delta or Alaska, from $267-$287 round-trip. Fly May 8-June 9 only. Add $90-$100 for Main.
4. Anchorage-Denver $357 round-trip on Delta. Fly May 8-June 9 only. Add $90 round-trip for Main.
For travel to other destinations, or later in the summer, be prepared to pay more.
Flying to Hawaii? Alaska Air’s nonstop prices out at $706 round-trip between May 30 and June 6. Add $110 round-trip for Main.
Nonstop flights from Anchorage to Salt Lake City start at $669 round-trip with Delta on May 17. That’s $100 more than the cost for the same flights last month. Add $90 more for Main.
Hotel costs continue to rise, accompanied by pesky resort fees.
The Outrigger on the Beach in Waikiki is a very nice beachfront hotel. It’s not plush, or the nicest property. But it’s solid. The cost is $334 per night.
But there’s more: a $50 per night resort fee, plus a variety of taxes and charges, totaling $112.55 per night.
Down in Seattle, the Sound Hotel in the Belltown neighborhood is marketed by Hilton. The discounted rate for “Honors” members — it’s free to join — is $313.34 per night for a king room in late May. Taxes and fees add an extra $56.40 per night.
There’s no appreciable bump yet for hotel rates as a result of the oil price surge. Yet. But if these hotel rates seem high, they’re in line with hotel rates in Anchorage this summer. At the Sheraton in Anchorage in June, it’s $450 per night, plus $54 in taxes and fees, when booked at Expedia.
Car rentals are not cheap
My go-to site for car rentals is the Costco site, which compares major brands and automatically includes Costco discounts.
In Las Vegas, for a one-day rental in May, Budget charges $67 per day, which includes taxes and fees of $22.77. In Anchorage, the same kind of car, medium SUV, costs $92.97 with Alamo.
The biggest differences so far in car rental rates seems to be the bill you’ll pay when you fill up the tank before returning. There’s no appreciable jump in prices because of the new war.
When it comes to making travel arrangements for the spring and summer, it’s more risky making completely non-refundable arrangements.
I made the decision to purchase most of my summer travel plans in advance, but only after determining I would not need to change the dates. Particularly with airline tickets, it’s expensive to change your dates.
There’s lots of uncertainty regarding travel arrangements, particularly international travel. As fuel prices go up due to oil shortages, travel companies will look for ways to recoup the increased costs. In most cases, those higher costs will be borne by travelers.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a decrease in oil prices nationally, but Alaska’s senior senator said the state faces a different situation that could threaten rural communities.
“If you can’t produce power because you don’t have the diesel or you just can’t pay the prices, your little communities can collapse,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said at a Friday press conference at the Arctic Encounter Summit in Anchorage.
The price of oil has been a double-edged sword for Alaska. On one hand, the increased price of North Slope oil brings more revenue to the state, but consumer prices can also rise.
North Slope oil prices were $106.36 a barrel on Thursday.
“This is a very precarious time,” Murkowski said. “Our state has enjoyed a bounty because we have benefited from the higher prices of oil that goes into our treasury, but it’s the Alaskans in … the off-road communities that are threatened to be hit most hard.”
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