Chilkat Valley News - Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966

More than 300 people attended a candlelight vigil at the parade grounds Tuesday that was organized to "mourn, grieve, honor and acknowledge the lives lost and traumatized by the senseless acts of racist violence in our country and communities" after George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer. The killing sparked protests and riots across the country.

Tuesday's vigil was organized by Meghan Hart and Jessica Kayser Forster. A moment of silence was held for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the amount of time the officer held his knee on Floyd's neck.

"We believe deeply in the power of prayer and or the power of conscious intention to help facilitate the healing and reckoning process," Kayser Forster said. "We know looking back at our parents and our grandparents that if we fail to stop, to grieve, to acknowledge and to change ourselves, our children will fall victim to the unresolved trauma of our generation."

After the time passed, many residents spoke to the crowd regarding their thoughts on or experiences with systemic racism.

Kyle Clayton

James Hart said he stands with the Black Lives Matter movement because as an indigenous person he experiences racism in Haines.

"We're here because a black person died because of police brutality," Hart said. "A life wasn't respected because of the color of their skin. It hurts."

Others called for participants to educate themselves about racism and listed the names of African Americans who have been killed by police.

"Whether it's because of the recent murders of black men or you've been doing this work for decades, no one is free until we all are free. So, what's next. What's after this vigil?" Chris Hill said. "Educate yourself. Never stop learning and unlearning. Have the difficult conversations about racism with your family and friends."