The Sitka Assembly will hold a discussion with officials from Sealaska Corporation during the regular Assembly meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening.
In May, Assembly members passed a resolution expressing concerns over Sealaska’s land selection legislation. Bills working through Congress would deliver acreage from the Tongass National Forest to the regional Native corporation.
The Assembly’s resolution in May was a gentler version of what was proposed that night. The original language said the city “opposed” Sealaska’s selections.
“The last couple times they’ve been here there’s been a resolution on the table, and I think that starts out on a negative note,” Westover said, adding that the goal of tonight’s discussion is simple. “People just have questions and it’d be nice to have some of the Sealaska folks sit down and answer questions and tell us a little bit more about themselves.”
The public will also be able to ask questions, though Westover says she wants to ensure a civil discussion over the controversial plans. Sealaska’s land selection legislation has long been a topic of debate in Sitka, along with its separate plans to select land around Redoubt Falls.
The Assembly meeting begins at 6 p.m. inside Harrigan Centennial Hall. Raven Radio will provide live coverage of the meeting.
