Navy issues formal apology for attack on Alaskan Tlingit village 142 years ago

The U.S. Navy has issued an official apology for a 142-year-old attack on the Tlingit village of Angoon, Alaska, in 1882. Rear Adm. Mark Sucato, commander of the Navy’s northwest region, delivered the apology during a ceremony marking the anniversary of the bombardment.

Sucato acknowledged the Navy’s responsibility in the attack, noting it resulted in loss of life, resources and cultural heritage for the Tlingit people, and caused long-lasting trauma across generations.

The apology comes decades after Angoon’s leaders and residents began calling for formal recognition of the incident, which saw shells falling on the village and sailors destroying homes, food supplies and canoes as winter approached.

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The destruction reportedly began after the accidental death of a Tlingit shaman, Tith Klane, who died in an explosion while working on a whaling ship.

Following his death, the Tlingit demanded 200 blankets in accordance with cultural practices as compensation, according to reports. When the request was denied, a conflict ensued, and the Navy launched the bombardment.

The attack left six children dead and destroyed much of the village’s food stores, leading to further losses during the winter.

The incident is one of several historical conflicts between Alaska Natives and U.S. military forces following the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. In 1973, Angoon received $90,000 in compensation for the damages but continued to seek an official apology.