 By Don Hoff, Jr. December 12, 2005
I been writing opinions about the proposed bridge for only one reason - to protect our Tribal grave sites on Pennock Island. Why would the Tribes allow you and a few folks to build roads on Pennock Island? I believe your first or second proposal would create more access to further desecrate Tribal graves? Encroachment of Pennock Island started in the early 1900's by people that lied on their initial applications to the Federal Government stating that there were no noticeable Indian graves on site. I believe the Bureau of Land Management (B.L.M.). Pennock Island from the South end to the North end is Tribal Graves on the Ketchikan side used by the Tongass Tribe and Cape Fox plus other Tribal Nations of the Haida, Tsimshian. There are also non-native people buried on Pennock Island because they were not allowed or could not afford to be buried at Bay View Cemetery. Tongass Tribe still today uses Pennock Island as our Tribal burial ground. This right is protected by B.L.M. I also object to building roads for private enterprise to exploit timber at Bozwick and all recreational roads to Black Sand beach and other areas. The whole idea of carving up Gravina and Pennock Island stinks. Ketchikan residents need to elect new people to Borough government and City government. Making statements, "Bridge or nothing!" attitude how ludicrous is that? That is not the kind of people I want representing me. I think your idea of a hard link to Hyder, Alaska is a good. That is a good economic development opportunities to get people that want to drive over bridges to bridges in the lower 48. In closing, I am glad to read opinions of other people that don't want to see a bridge in Ketchikan. Thank you for having the guts to make a stand against all the exploitation going on in your community. Yes, I believe Ketchikan and surrounding lands belong to me and my Tribe. Merry Christmas to all of you and this is my opinion. Don Hoff Jr. aka Aan Kadax
Tseen
Note: Don Hoff Jr. was born and raised in Ketchikan. Don lived in Ketchikan for 42 years and now living in Chattanooga, Tn. area. Served as City of Ketchikan Councilman from 1986-89 and Vice Mayor 1989. Served 10 years on O.S.H.A. Review Board State of Alaska. Served on I.R.A. Council at Ketchikan Indian Corporation. Don is indigenous to the Ketchikan Area belonging to the Tongass Tribe.
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