Gunalchéesh, thank you, to the American Bald Eagle Foundation for announcing your new resolution to oppose hard rock mining projects in the Chilkat Valley that threaten Jilḵáat Aani Ḵa Héeni (Chilkat Valley Watershed). The Chilkat Indian Village welcomes you in our shared vision for conserving bald eagle and wild salmon habitat and preserving the incredible beauty and biodiversity of our valley.
The Chilkat Indian Village has been in existence since time immemorial, during which time our Tribal members have lived, and continue to live, a traditional subsistence way of life, and wish to pass that way of life on to the seventh generation as we have for centuries.
In 2022 Chilkat Indian Village-Klukwan passed a Tribal Ordinance stating that we will do everything in our power to uphold this responsibility, preserving our way of life for future generations, and protecting Jilḵáat Aani Ḵa Héeni. And so, the Chilkat Indian Village is seeking, by all legal and equitable means possible, a moratorium on all large-scale mining activities in the Jilḵáat Aani Ḵa Héeni, to ensure it remains a pristine watershed as it has been since time Immemorial.
Klukwan is like a big canoe. And I’m asking fellow supporters to come join Klukwan’s canoe and help us paddle. The future of the Chilkat Valley is at stake here. Help us fight for our way of life and for the future generations to come. Gunalchéesh, Thank you.
Jones P. Hotch Jr., President, Chilkat Indian Village (Klukwan)