Ag Secretary Schafer Keynotes at Alaskan Tribal Ceremony

Ag. Secretary Schafer represents Forest Service at Tribal Re-burial ceremony for ancient tribal remains found on Tongass NF.

Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer joined several Region 10 and Tongass National Forest leadership and staff members at tribal ceremonies to rebury 10,000 year-old Alaskan Native remains on Prince of Wales Island in southeast Alaska September 26 and 27.

Secretary Schafer was a keynote speaker for a ceremonial dinner and tribal dance to honor Shukaá Kaa, or "Man Ahead of Us," whose remains were found during paleontological investigations in a cave site on NFS lands in 1996. The repatriation and reburial of the remains were coordinated with the tribal governments by Tongass NF archaeologist Terry Fifield and Tribal Relations Program Manager John Autrey.

Their working relationship with the tribal governments and leaders of the Prince of Wales tribes was a key factor in the remains being identified through DNA testing, and their being repatriated in 2007 under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990.

"I am deeply honored to be with you this evening," Schafer commented in his remarks. "This is a historic and deeply meaningful ceremony and I am privileged to represent the Forest Service tonight."

Schafer went on to say that the deep and abiding respect that the agency has for the tribal governments and the culture of the recognized tribes in southeast Alaska is a special relationship that will lead to many more positive steps in planning and managing both cultural and heritage sites and the natural resources across the Tongass.

"The Forest Service and the Tongass National Forest have acted as the stewards for much of Southeast Alaska for more than 100 years," Schafer continued. "But tonight we pay tribute to you, the traditional stewards of these lands and your most ancient ancestor we honor tonight, Shukaá Kaa. As advanced as our country and society have become, it has taken a man more than 10,000 years old to bring true understanding and partnership to the cultural and resource management here on the Tongass National Forest."

Schafer concluded his remarks with 'thank you' ('gunalsch-cheessh' in Tlingit), repeated three times as a sign of deep and heartfelt thanks. His remarks and his attendance at the ceremony brought a standing ovation from about 400 tribal and community members who attended the ceremonial dinner.

Schafer was also invited to participate in the tribal dances later that evening, donning ceremonial and traditional garb and dancing with one of the native dance groups. The Secretary also attended the ceremonial Tribal Breakfast in Craig the following morning.