Summer of 1962

The Douglas Indian Village was burned in the summer of 1962 by the City of Douglas, when residents were known to be at their fish camps on the Taku River. Because of their desire to gain control of the Douglas Harbor project initiated by the Tribe with the BIA to strengthen and sustain its fishing livelihood, the City of Douglas found a way to seize ownership of the Village lands and force the removal of Tribal residents. City officials claimed that the Village was abandoned and invoked eminent domain. They seized control of the Village and burned homes, household belongings, fishing boats and net storage housed on this site. Tribal members were forced to relocate without any compensation for their lands, houses, fishing gear and personal possessions, and without the financial ability to secure or build new homes. Only a few were paid minimal reparations for the destruction and seizing of their property. As a result, Tribal members dispersed and it wasn’t until mid-1970s that Tribal members were able to reassemble to work to re-establish Tribal governance and leadership.