As we commemorate Native American Heritage Month this November, we reflect on the resilience and contributions of Native American communities across the nation.
This month serves as a powerful reminder of the deep history and rich cultures of Indigenous peoples, as well as the ongoing impact of historical injustices, including the legacy of Indian boarding schools.
In a recent pivotal moment, President Biden issued a formal apology for the United States’ role in the Indian boarding school system, which aimed to erase Indigenous identities and cultures. This acknowledgment marks a crucial step toward healing the wounds inflicted by these policies. We recognize that true healing requires both recognition and action.
This month, we call attention to S.1723/H.R. 7727 – the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act that is currently under consideration. The time is now to take action to ensure its passage, allowing us to preserve the voices of survivors and their descendants to support their healing journey.
Join us in advocating for future generations by contacting your Congressional representatives in Washington, D.C., to urge them to pass the Truth and Healing Bill this year, https://boardingschoolhealing.org/advocacy/takeaction/.
We also advocate for clemency for Leonard Peltier, a member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Tribe and a survivor of the Indian boarding school system, having attended Wahpeton Indian School from 1952 to 1955. Mr. Peltier, an Indigenous rights activist, has come to represent broader injustices experienced by Native American communities. Granting him clemency would be a meaningful step toward justice and a commitment to addressing historical wrongs.
As we celebrate the rich traditions, languages, and histories of Native American peoples this month, we must also confront the realities of our shared past. By honoring the voices of Indigenous communities and advocating for truth, justice, and healing, we can advance towards a future built on respect, understanding, and equity.
Let us use this month as a catalyst for change, uniting in our commitment to support Indigenous rights and ensure that the lessons of the past inform a more just and equitable future for all.
Joannie Suina, Ed.D (Pueblo of Cochiti)
Director of Communications
National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition
Holiday Travel Tips
The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and Fairbanks International Airport are gearing up for the holiday travel season and offer these tips to help make your travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible:
Check Flight Status – Before heading to the airport, check your flight status directly with your airline. Consider signing up for flight alerts or downloading the airline’s app for real-time updates and easy management of any changes to your trip.
Arrive Early – Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure. Both airports offer restaurants, shops, and art displays for travelers to enjoy once they have cleared the security checkpoint.
Familiarize Yourself with TSA Procedures – Visit TSA’s travel tips website (https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips) or use the “Can I bring my…” feature to check what items are permitted in carry-on and checked luggage. Smartphone users can download the “MyTSA” app to quickly access helpful information about TSA policies and procedures.
Pack Liquids Properly – In your carry-on bag, pack liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) and place them in a one-quart clear bag to comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Following this rule helps prevent delays at the security checkpoint. This restriction does not apply to checked baggage.
At the Security Checkpoint – Remove large electronics, including laptops, and the 3-1-1 liquids bag from your carry-on for screening.
Gifts – Wrapped gifts are allowed in checked or carry-on baggage. However, if a wrapped gift triggers an alarm during screening, appears to have been tampered with, or raises other security concerns, it may need to be unwrapped. Consider using gift bags instead of wrapping paper to make the screening process smoother.
Parking – Parking can be tight during the holidays. FAI offers both short- and long-term lots, and ANC has several options, including a short-term garage, long-term and North Terminal lots, and the Park, Ride, and Fly lot. For added convenience, travelers can also use cabs, ride-shares, buses, or arrange drop-offs and pick-ups.
“Our mission is to make holiday travel as seamless and enjoyable as possible,” said Angie Spear, Alaska International Airport System Director. “With a little preparation and the right timing, we can all enjoy a stress-free journey. Here’s to a safe, smooth, and joyful holiday season for all our travelers!”
For more information about the Alaska International Airport System visit https://dot.alaska.gov/aias/
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure
Alaska DOT & PF
Juneau, AK
