Tlingit and Haida will host a ribbon cutting and naming ceremony for its newly renovated 410 Willoughby Avenue property on Wednesday, April 16 2025, at 12:00 PM. *Please note the event was moved from Tues. to Wed. The property will be officially named the Edward K. Thomas building. Thomas is Tlingit & Haida’s longest-serving president, and retired in 2014 after more than 40 years of leadership.

Located in the heart of the Aak’w Village District, the Edward K. Thomas Building represents a key part of Tlingit & Haida’s vision for a unified service campus. The building houses the Tribe’s essential client services, tribal enrollment office, and Tribal Court, offering a central location designed to better meet the needs of tribal citizens. This initiative is also a reflection of Tlingit & Haida’s broader Landback initiative, which seeks to return and steward ancestral lands, bringing vital resources back into the hands of Indigenous peoples. The development of this property and the surrounding campus is an important step toward Tlingit & Haida’s goal of revitalizing land and spaces that have cultural and historical significance to the Tribe.

“This building marks an exciting new chapter for our Tribe,” said President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. “It reflects our ongoing commitment to building infrastructure that serves the needs of our people, both culturally and operationally. Renaming this building in honor of Edward K. Thomas is a fitting tribute to his decades of service and leadership. Through our Landback efforts, we are working to reclaim not just land, but the power to create spaces that uplift and serve our community. We look forward to sharing this space with our people.”

The Edward K. Thomas Building was acquired in December 2021, along with the adjacent property at 400 Willoughby Avenue. Together, the properties encompass more than 92,000 square feet of office space, bringing Tlingit & Haida’s long-term vision of a unified campus one step closer to reality. The renovation reflects the Tribe’s cultural heritage while aiming to create a one-stop location for tribal citizens to access all programs and services.

“This campus has been years in the making,” said Chief Operating Officer Roald Helgesen. “It is a space where culture, tribal values, and service come together, and we are thrilled to celebrate this milestone. The development of this property is not just a physical achievement but a meaningful reflection of our commitment to preserving and nurturing our lands, cultures, and communities.”

The ribbon cutting ceremony will be attended by tribal leaders, dignitaries, and community members. Following the ceremony, guests will have the opportunity to tour the building and see firsthand the renovations that bring the Tribe’s vision to life.

Ribbon Cutting Event Details
   •   Date: April 16, 2025 *new date
   •   Time: 12 PM *new time
   •   Location: 410 Willoughby Avenue, Juneau, Alaska