See Stories is profoundly honored to have been invited by the community of Angoon to attend the Navy’s apology for their bombardment of Angoon in 1882, taking place on October 26th.

142 years after the destruction of the community, See Stories staff will support the youth of Angoon to document the apology ceremony, to support the next generation in their part of the healing process. We are moved beyond words to be present at this huge event that is one step on the healing journey, and will share with you along the way about our experience. Sharing this film is also a part of our new “Movie Monday” launch. We invite you to share resources and ideas connected to this film.  Click on the photo still or link below to view this film.

Here you can see our student produced short-film about the 1882 bombardment and the significance of this apology ceremony as shared by one amazing Elder, Pauline Jim.

This film is a part of our first film showcased for Movie Mondays. Mondays we’ll showcase a student or educator-produced film from one of our workshops and invite you to join the discussion! Head to @seestoriesalaska on Facebook or Instagram and tell us your thoughts on the featured film or leave a comment on this post. Here are some questions to prompt more discussion:

What resources do you recommend to learn more about the Navy’s bombardment of Angoon?

What teacher(s) should we share this film with? How do you think we can get the word out that this bombardment did indeed take place (since it’s such a poorly taught history)?

Why do you think it’s important for us ALL to learn this history?

What would you want middle and high schoolers across Alaska to know about this history and present day moment?

Gunalchéesh for joining us on this journey.

You can read more about the Angoon Bombardment here:

• Anchorage Daily News: US Navy Plans Apologies to Southeast Alaska Villages For 19th-Century Attacks
• Juneau Empire: US Navy will apologize for 1882 bombardment of Angoon, Murkowski says
• Naval History and Heritage Command: Shelling of the Alaskan Native American Village of Angoon, October 1882
• The Washington Post

“The destruction of Angoon should never have happened, and it was an unfortunate event in our history.” –  John S. Herrington (Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Manpower and Reserve Affairs), 1982