It’s time for Page Two: news that might not make the front page for Thursday, November 13, 2025
Mat-Su School District Replaces Land Acknowledgment Without Public Input
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District has removed Indigenous land acknowledgment signs from school buildings according to the Mat-Su Sentinel.
The District replaced the statement with a new one honoring settlers, Indigenous peoples, and community service workers. They made the change without public notice or an official board vote.
The decision followed a brief discussion during closing remarks at the June 4 board meeting. Board President Kathy McCollum questioned whether land acknowledgments were appropriate in district facilities after hearing one at the Wasilla High graduation ceremony last May.
Board Vice President Andrew Shane agreed, drawing upon his experience as an Alaska Native with Unagax heritage from the Pribolof Islands. Such statements feel like “continuing to try to tear open an old wound,” he said during the board meeting.
Shane later said in the statement “My hope is that all members of our community recognize that they are caretakers of the beautiful Mat-Su Valley we inhabit. While I believe knowing where you came from and celebrating cultures are important, it should never seek to divide us as a society.”
Chickaloon and Knik tribal officials criticized the move. Removing the signs reflects the school board’s broader lack of interest in honoring Alaska Native culture, Knik Tribal Council Executive Director Richard Porter said.
“To us, it always seemed disingenuous,” he said. “If they’re not even willing to have a consolation prize of the land acknowledgment to be put up on the side of the wall, why would you think there’s then even an inkling of that kind of engagement or acknowledgment of who you are as a people or what was here before you?”
Officials with the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council said land acknowledgments help Alaska Native students maintain important cultural connections.
“Land acknowledgments tell our students that our schools are safe places for them,” Chickaloon Village Traditional Council Executive Officer Lisa Wade told the school board during its Oct. 15 meeting. She continued,“They create spaces for people, including our elders and youth, who have at times been invisible.”
About 7% of Mat-Su School District students are Alaska Native or American Indian, according to district data.
Dr. Trani ordered the creation of the new statement and district office staff crafted it. The Knik and Chickaloon Tribal Councils were not consulted or informed about the plaque removals or the updated statement.
The new “Shared Histories and Service Recognition” statement reads:
“The Matanuska-Susitna region has been shaped by many people over time — from early explorers, American settlers, and colonists to the Dena’ina and Ahtna peoples who lived in this area before modern development. Together, their histories form the foundation of our vibrant and growing communities.
“We also want to take a moment to thank the many individuals who serve and protect our community each day — including members of the military, veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, emergency responders, educators and healthcare professionals.”
The new shared history statement is not currently planned for display in district buildings, Trani said.
The next Mat-Su School Board meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday, November 19, at 6 p.m. at the district office.
Here are two events onight:
The Skeetawk annual membership meeting and premiere of the ski film Sno-City are at the Palmer depot . The member meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. At 6:15 p.m. the doors open to the public. See Skeetawk.com for information and tickets.
And, Schaefer Miller plays at the Palmer Ale House from 6 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Upstairs Lounge.
Here are two events tomorrow:
Palmer women business owners tell their stories at “Her” Story in business at the Palmer Depot from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $25. Palmer museum members are free. More info is at palmermuseum.org.
The Trees of The Valley event and 10-year celebration of the Glen Massay Theater starts at 5:00 p.m. This free event includes voting on holiday trees from local businesses, music by the Mat-Su Concert Band, and the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas. More info is at glennmassaytheater.com.
Page Two articles are written by Emily Forstner and Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
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That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Thursday, November 13, 2025.