108 is a very important number in the East as it is here in Sheet’ka'(also known as Sitka and Novo-Arkhangelsk). In 1804 local people united and fought together courageously for their land. 108 years later, in 1912, local people once again united, to create the Alaska Native Brotherhood. They fought courageously for their civil rights. 2020 marked 108 years since the breakthrough in 1912 and once again locals united to make history. Native and Non-Native people began a dedicated project of working courageously together on reconciliation, racial equity, healing, and health.
Project 108 is our way of counting the many little and large changes that are making this vision a reality in Sheet’ka’.
To make the most of this auspicious year the new decolonization discussion group took action to raise community awareness of the opportunities to make change and collected stories, photos, accounts, and documents related to the healing, learning, and racial equity activities that took place in 2020. The goal to complete 108 inspired actions resulted in a wide variety of individual, organizational, or community level activities.
This movement has been building for years and with your support and contributions we can make every year a better year in Sheet’ka’! All are welcome to join us in this project of learning, and creating a place of respect and gratitude to everyone and everything that makes this place so special.