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Assembly accepts donation of Mayflower Island, clears path to transfer to Douglas Indian Association
Summary
The CBJ accepted a Bureau of Land Management offer to donate Mayflower Island (Anakya'ondaganyay) and signaled intent to transfer it to the Douglas Indian Association; the resolution passed without objection and tribal leaders hailed it as a step toward restoration.
The Juneau City and Borough Assembly on June 9 adopted Resolution 4016 to accept donation of the property legally described as Mayflower Island from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and indicated intent to convey the site to the Douglas Indian Association (DIA).
The resolution instructs the manager to accept the conveyance from BLM without reimbursement and reflects prior committee direction to pursue the donation with the intent of transferring the property to DIA for less than fair market value. The lands, housing and economic development committee had previously forwarded the matter after receiving a request from DIA.
Why it matters: Mayflower Island, called Anakya'ondaganyay in the Tlingit language (translated in testimony as “where the sun's rays touch”), sits across from the former Douglas Indian village and has been the focus of long-standing tribal interest and historic redress. Tribal leaders and representatives framed the transfer as a restorative and healing step after decades of community efforts.
Douglas Indian Association President and council representatives and tribal members testified in favor of the resolution. Barbara Kedianti Nelson, a DIA council member and officer, said the transfer is “a significant moment” and a restoration of balance for the tribe. DIA representatives described historical context dating to promises made in the mid-20th century and urged the assembly to finalize acceptance and support transfer back to tribal stewardship.
Manager and staff background materials attached to the resolution explained the federal authorization that allows the U.S. Department of the Interior to convey the property to CBJ, and noted that if CBJ declines the donation, BLM will place the property in a competitive disposal process. The lands, housing and economic development committee recommended accepting the donation with the intent to convey to DIA.
The assembly adopted the resolution by unanimous consent after public comment and committee recommendation. There were no objections recorded during the vote.
Ending: Tribal leaders said returning the island to DIA will allow restoration and programs they described as beneficial to cultural healing and community wellness; the assembly’s action moves administrative steps forward to accept the federal conveyance and to pursue transfer to the tribe.
