By Lex Treinen
Chilkat Valley News Haines 

Klukwan church given to tribe after century of Presbyterian ownership

 

February 21, 2024

Photo courtesy Jami Campbell

A formal ceremony was held in October to transfer ownership of the Presbyterian church building in Klukwan to the local tribe. Jami Campbell (center), who had served as Presbyterian pastor, was joined for the event by longtime church member Kath Hotch (left) and Joann Elsie Spud (right).

The church, originally known as the Klukwan Presbyterian, has been holding regular Sunday services for nearly a century. But one thing about the church has changed: its owner.

More than a year ago, a national denomination of the Presbyterian Church transferred the deed to the Klukwan tribe as part of the denomination's effort to reconcile past abuses by clergy members and teachers against Alaska Native people.

The formal ceremony, which had been delayed by COVID-19 concerns, was held in October.

Tribal and church leaders said it was an important step toward self-determination for the Chilkat I...



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