 by Don Hoff Jr. January 11, 2005
I am a federal taxpayer which gives me the right to say how I want my tax dollars spent. I don't want it spent on a worthless bridge to Gravina Island via Pennock Island. Again, I never said you couldn't have a bridge to Gravina Island. They need to find an alternative route other than Pennock Island. Nevertheless, I don't want my federal tax dollars spent on this proposed bridge to Gravina Island. I am a broke federal taxpayer. I was born and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska for 43 years before I made the decision to move out of Alaska for awhile. One day in the near future I will be moving back to Ketchikan and hopefully, taking the airport ferry across to town. Not only was I born and raised in Ketchikan, I am indigenous to Ketchikan and all surrounding lands, Gravina Island, Pennock Island, Annette Island, Village Island, Duke Island, Percy Islands and far south to Tongass Island. We even had village sites on the southeast side of Prince of Wales Island. I am Tlingit Indian from the Taan ta Kwaan (Sea-lion People) or known as Tongass Tribe. I am from the Gaanax adi Clan, Yie l Hit (Raven House). My Grandfather, Herman Ridley was Tsimshian born in Metlakatla. My Grandmother, Martha Williams was Tongass Tlingit and she was also born in Metlakatla. My Tribe has been in Ketchikan area since time and memorial. This I believe gives me some rights to write and protect our Tribal grave sites on Pennock Island. In closing David, I am not going to shut up for you or anyone on issues that has negative effects on my family and Tribe. This is my opinion. Don Hoff Jr.
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