WCA requests land at former school site to build a memorial

As the borough is developing a portion of the former Wrangell Institute property near Shoemaker Bay for a residential subdivision — Alder Top Village (Keishangita.’aan) — the Wrangell Cooperative Association has asked for two adjoining parcels at the northern end of the property.

“We want it for a memorial for people who attended the Wrangell Institute,” said Esther Aaltséen Reese, tribal administrator.

One possibility is constructing a gazebo with Alaska Native art at the site, to create “a place for reflection,” she said. “Have it as a healing place.”

The Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding sc...