Liberating Relics

09/19/2025

09/10/2025

12/03/2024

Today is Native American Heritage Day, and we're reflecting on a historic moment in the journey toward healing. Last month, President Joe Biden issued a long-overdue apology for the U.S. government's boarding school policy that forcibly separated Native children from their families, stripped them of their cultural heritage and caused immense harm for over 150 years.

At the Gila River Indian Community, President Biden acknowledged the deep pain caused by these policies, calling it "a significant mark of shame" in American history. He said, "The federal Indian boarding school policy—the pain it caused—will always be a significant mark of shame." This apology is a crucial step in acknowledging the trauma that continues to affect Native communities.

SHI President Rosita Worl, who was honored with the National Humanities Medal by the President for her work in preserving Native culture, was recognized in Biden's remarks. We are proud of Rosita's leadership and the way she continues to honor our people and cultures.

Let this day remind us of the importance of truth and the power of healing, as we work together to move forward with respect and understanding.

Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa, Nt’oyaxsn, Thank You, for walking this path with us.

Caption: Dr. Rosita Worl with President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Photo courtesy of The White House.

11/28/2024

During Native American Heritage Month, we honor the resilience and strength of our ancestors. Thanksgiving carries a complex history, but it also reminds us of the importance of gathering and being in community.

However you spend this time, we wish you warmth and safety with your loved ones. Sealaska will be closed Thursday and Friday. Have a wonderful week!

11/27/2024

I thought I had posted about this back in spring, but it appears I haven’t! This was an exciting moment in my professional career where I was interviewed for the first time by a major reporter on some of the work I do. Thanks to Irene Dundas, I was contacted. One of the best surprises I’ve been grateful to receive. The piece is: “MOURNING MORNINGSIDE: Alaska Native Souls Honored & Freed from Oregon Asylum Graveyards.” Story and photography by Jenna Kunze.

🔗 https://nativenewsonline.net/mourning-morningside

11/19/2024

Today, Utqiagvik saw its last sunset for the next 67 days. 🤯 As the northernmost town in Alaska, this community will not see another sunrise until the end of January! In turn, this Arctic town will receive an average of 80 days of uninterrupted sunlight in the summer season.

📸: Katie Mumford

10/29/2024

That’s my baby girl saying “because we ARE our Ancestors!” 🥰 I can’t believe I took that video 4 years ago. Now, she’s much more confident in her voice. We discuss current events & issues all the time, as much as we discuss history. It’s all connected. I hope everyone is encouraged to use their voice & vote! 🗳️

10/01/2024

🧡🪽 The point of sharing history isn’t to wave a finger in your face or to punish you. The purpose of sharing history is to acknowledge it for what it is, so we can cease repeating it. If you receive history & your first reaction is one of defense, I recommend sitting with those feelings on your own to think about why you might feel defensive or why you might internalize rather than understand. It is imperative we receive factual history as a foundation in which we can engage in a meaningful way around the world. Our humanity depends on it. And you don’t have to feel like someone is persecuting you personally, to care about it & want to be better. Do not center yourself in that way. It is not about you, nor me. It is about adopting a way of being & thinking that sets up a world for our children to exist in peacefully & safely. 🧡🪽🧡🪽🧡

10/01/2024