Gunalchéesh to all who came by the Chilkat Forever booth at the Southeast Alaska State Fair. It was heartwarming to visit with you all and to connect over our shared value of the Chilkat River and the way of life it supports, and it was energizing to see so many of you wearing Chilkat Forever t-shirts, hats, and hoodies in the crowd!
On July 10, 2026, the Chilkat Indian Village issued an open letter to the executives of Vizsla Copper Corporation and the proponents of the Palmer mine project. Now, several weeks later, Vizsla Copper Corp. has still not provided clear, transparent public responses to the questions raised in the open letter about the summer 2026 drill program taking place on the Chilkat Indian Village’s unceded traditional territory.
We appreciate the hundreds of fair attendees who added their names in support of the Chilkat Indian Village (Klukwan)’s open letter, urging Vizsla Copper to respond publicly to provide clear answers to the questions listed in the letter. The lack of public response from Vizsla Copper Corp. speaks volumes about their failed commitment to providing transparency for community members in the Chilkat Valley.
To reiterate, Chilkat Indian Village (Klukwan) has not given consent to the Palmer mine project or any associated hardrock mining activities on our unceded traditional territory. The open letter does not indicate that the CIV tribal council is working in partnership or collaboration with Vizsla Copper Corporation.
President Kimberley Strong and the Chilkat Indian Village (Klukwan)