The Native Village of Chitina is urging the State of Alaska to issue a closure along parts of the Copper River Road state right-of-way after discovering ancestorial burial sites in the area.
According to an announcement from the Tribe last month, recent state-led surveys have yielded the discovery of multiple Ahtna burial sites in the O’Brien Creek area just southwest of Chitina, which is part of the Deyighił’aaden Cultural District. Chitina — the home of the Indigenous Ahtna people — is a small community north of Cordova at the confluence of the Copper River and the Chitina River, about 65 miles southeast of Glennallen.
“Graves have been discovered, and we are working to find a respectful solution,” Corina Ewan, president of the Native Village of Chitina, said in the announcement. “We are collaborating with the State of Alaska to remedy the situation.”
The Tribe said the O’Brien Creek area where officials found the burial sites is “under threat” because of its popularity with fishers, recreationalists, and general vehicle and foot traffic. They’re calling for closures along the Copper River Road through Chitina Native Corporation and privately-owned land where the graves are until cultural studies are completed.
“We never disturb or move graves. This is engee (taboo) in our culture,” Ewan said. “We owe it to our Tribe’s ancestors to honor their resting places with utmost respect and protection.”
The Native Village of Chitina is also urging the public to treat the areas with caution and adhere to laws protecting Indigenous artifacts on federal, state and Native lands. The Tribe asks that in the event that individuals find any Native artifacts to leave them as they are and report them to the Native Village of Chitina by calling 907-823-2215.
This story originally ran in the May 17 issue of The Cordova Times.
