Dear Tribal Citizens, this year marked Tlingit & Haida’s 90th Annual Tribal Assembly — a moment to reflect on nearly a century of Tlingit & Haida’s history and journey as a federally recognized tribal government. For 90 years, we’ve adapted the Tribe’s governance to meet the needs of tribal citizens, to protect our ways of life, and stand strong in the face of every challenge. That legacy continued last week, as Delegates voted on constitutional amendments that will shape the future of the Tribe for generations to come.
These decisions came after more than a year of thoughtful work by a Constitution Committee made up of Delegates representing both urban and rural communities. The committee held multiple listening sessions for Delegates, sought insights from other tribal nations, and conducted a deep review of the governing foundation. Still, we know the outcome has caused pain and raised difficult questions.
As your President, I recused myself from the Constitution Committee, and did not cast a vote on these amendments. My role — as always — is to support the Tribe’s legislative process with care and humility, and to uphold the decisions made by Delegates who make up the Tribe’s legislative branch and are elected by our people to lead on behalf of our communities.
To those who are hurting, I want to speak directly to you – our identity has never, and will never, be in question. You are Tlingit. You are Haida. No matter where you live, this Tribe is your home. We see you. We love you. You matter.
This is not a moment of victory or defeat — it is a time to lift up the values that have guided us for generations. Both our Tlingit and Haida cultures offer teachings that can help us navigate this path forward:
- Wooch Yáx | Yahguudang (Respect & Balance)
We are called to speak and act with balance, even when we disagree — to listen with care, and to hold space for multiple truths. - Haa Shagóon | ‘Laa guu ga k anhllns (Our Past, Present & Future Generations)
We honor the wisdom and strength of our Ancestors, and we carry that forward as we make decisions that will shape the lives of future generations. - Haa Latseení | Gina ‘waadlu x an gud ad kwaagid (Strength of Body, Mind & Spirit)
This moment takes courage. Even in the face of division or pain, we find the strength to keep showing up for one another and for the work ahead.
By embracing these values, we move forward with compassion, understanding, and a commitment to the future.
We know some tribal citizens may be feeling uncertain in the wake of these decisions — wondering about their place within the Tribe. We hope the actions of our Tribe speak louder than any single moment of debate or decision on the floor of Tribal Assembly. Today, Tlingit & Haida is providing more support and services to citizens wherever they may live than ever before — and we are committed to continuing to grow that reach. No matter where our tribal citizens live, we will keep working to meet your needs, uphold your connection to the Tribe, and walk alongside our people on this shared journey.
There is no perfect way forward, but we can commit to walking a good path. A path that honors where we’ve come from, is grounded in who we are, and calls each of us to move forward together.
Being elected by your community to serve and make these hard decisions comes with great responsibility. Our Delegates showed up — not just out of duty, but out of love for their people and a commitment to protect our ways of life. In our way of thinking, leadership is not a burden — it is a privilege. We carry this work not for ourselves, but for the generations yet to come.
And like a canoe journey, we are all in this together. Every pull of the paddle matters. If one side stops paddling, we drift off course. But when we paddle in rhythm — with shared purpose and care for one another — we move forward. Healing, trust, and unity will take time. If we stay grounded in our values and pull together, we can navigate these uncertain waters together.
Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa,
Chalyee Éesh Richard J. Peterson
President