“Why now? Why is the Navy finally coming to Angoon to offer a formal apology for the Bombardment 142 years later?” This was the genuine wondering of Collins Mendenhall after he learned the Navy was coming to Angoon. Featuring interviews from the U.S. Navy, and footage of the actual apology given to Angoon, this films seeks to answer that question.

On October 26, 1882 the U.S. Navy bombed and fired upon the defenseless Tlingit village of Angoon, Alaska. 142 years later, the Navy came to Angoon to offer a formal apology to the community. Students were asked by their Elders and Clan Leaders to create films documenting this historic event. 7 students created films detailing the history of the Angoon Bombardment and telling the story of the Navy’s Apology.

Special thanks to our community partners in Angoon- Chatham School District and the Angoon Community Association- for supporting this project.