 by Don Hoff, Jr. March 23, 2003
I would like to apologize to the readers. I have been receiving emails positive and negative responses to my opinions. Some say I am to whiney, that I am predjuice and use the word "white people" too freely. But, some say I am right and keep up the good work. Whom was predjuice? 50 or 60 years ago in Ketchikan and Alaska, Indians were not allowed to join certain fraternities (e.g. Moose Club). Indians had their own section in the bacony at the theatres, "No Indians allowed " signs at certain restaurants. Indians were not allowed to attend certain schools and had to go to Indian Government boarding schools in Sitka, Wrangell or the lower 48. Indians were segregated at St. John Church that they built. There was a split in the church. They also built the St. Elizabeth Church. The term "Indian town" is a place that starts from the Chief Johnson totem pole south where most of the Indian, Japanese, Philippino, Chinese and Prositutes lived. "New town" is a place that starts north of the Chief Johnson totem pole. I guess downtown Ketchikan was a neutral. Indians were discouragedf to venture into New Town. I remember that. I am not a stranger to writing opinions. I been writing for years mostly on Subsistence. Recently, the proposed bridge to Pennock Island. The State of Alaska Government has its loose cannons. I will try not to use the term "white people" in my opinions in the future. I will use the word "Caucasian" people. Instead of using "Indian" people. I will use the word "Indigenous or Native" people. Again, I hope the readers except my sincere apologies for sounding prejuice or racist. I am just angry. This is my own opinion. Don Hoff Jr.
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