In a formal agreement reached by Gov. Bill Walker and the Gulkana Village Council, the state of Alaska will re-convey sacred burial grounds on land developed 75 years ago without permission of the Ahtna people.
In building a bridge across the Gulkana River in 1943, the Alaska Road Commission divided the village of Gulkana, making uninhabitable portions of land occupied for centuries by the Ahtna people. The bridge was built within feet of the village cemetery, and since then people have trespassed through the sacred burial grounds to gain access to the river, desecrating grave sites.
“This is not just a land transaction, but a step toward righting a historical wrong,” Walker said as the agreement was reached on Dec. 1 in Anchorage. “In 2016, I walked the land with Ahtna elders, who showed me where homes had been destroyed during bridge construction and explained how cemetery sites had been vandalized over the years. I’m pleased we are able to finally begin the process of addressing a past injustice.”
Under the agreement, Ahtna Inc. has offered to provide the public with valuable consideration, including alternative access to the river, by which the Village of Gulkana and its tribal members can acquire the land at fair market value.
“Our elders who have passed on have worked tirelessly for decades to get this land back, including the late Roy S, Ewan,” said Eileen L. Ewan, president of the Gulkana Village Council.
“Our elders told us to ‘never give up.’ All of our grandparents have passed on except three who are remaining,” Ewan said. “The cemetery and former village lands have always been invaluable to our people. Governor Walker was the first governor that walked the cemetery with us. We thank the Lord for hearing our prayers and are grateful for the return of our lands.”
Ewan also thanks the board of directors and staff of Ahtna Inc. for working with them on the reconveyance.
