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Assembly accepts Mayflower Island from BLM to transfer to Douglas Indian Association
Summary
The assembly adopted Resolution 4016 to accept the donation of Mayflower Island from the Bureau of Land Management and move toward transferring it to the Douglas Indian Association, following tribal testimony emphasizing healing and historical significance.
The Juneau City and Borough Assembly unanimously adopted Resolution 4016 authorizing the manager to accept a donation of property commonly referred to in the resolution as Juneau Island/Mayflower Island from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and to proceed with steps to transfer the property to the Douglas Indian Association (DIA).
Tribal leaders and members described the transfer as a step toward restoring cultural connections and healing historic harms. Barbara Kedianti Nelson, who identified herself as a Douglas Indian Association council member, said the island’s indigenous name and traditional significance make the conveyance “a significant moment” for the tribe. “To us, it is its indigenous name Anakya'ondaganyay, where the sun's rays touch,” she testified.
The manager’s presentation to the assembly noted that the U.S. Department of the Interior is authorized to convey the property without reimbursement and that BLM informed CBJ that if the borough did not accept the property as a donation, BLM would sell it through its disposal process. The Lands, Housing, and Economic Development Committee previously reviewed the matter and passed a motion supporting acceptance of the donation with the intention of disposing of it to DIA for less than fair market value.
Multiple tribal speakers — including Dion Cadiente Laiti and Alyssa Glatner, who spoke of intergenerational significance and the tribe’s federal recognition and organizational role — thanked the assembly and staff for the work that led to the resolution. Testimony referenced historical events, including the 1962 burning of the Douglas Indian village and subsequent efforts for restitution.
The resolution ties to an assembly goal adopted for 2025 to support the Douglas Indian Association’s efforts to acquire Mayflower Island. The manager recommended assembly adoption; the assembly adopted the resolution by unanimous consent after the public comments.
The resolution directs the manager to accept the donation and sets the stage for CBJ to convey the property to the Douglas Indian Association in a manner consistent with the assembly’s direction and any applicable municipal code provisions. Douglas Indian Association leaders said the tribe intends stewardship and cultural restoration work if the property transfer is completed.
The assembly’s vote is an administrative acceptance of the donation; future legal conveyance, transfer terms and any conditions will be addressed by staff and the assembly in follow-up steps.
