Jesse Lee Memorial

September 30, 2025

Honoring Every Child. Remembering Every Story.

On September 30, 2025, the Qutekcak Native Tribe gathered at the Jesse Lee Cemetery in Seward, Alaska, to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also recognized as Orange Shirt Day. Together, Tribal citizens, Elders, descendants, families, community members, and supporters came together with one purpose—to honor the children connected to the Jesse Lee Home and remember those who never had the opportunity to return home.

Beneath the towering spruce trees and on the sacred ground where many of these children now rest, the steady beat of the drum echoed through the forest—a reminder that memory is alive, that truth continues to speak, and that remembrance is an act of love.

Flowers were carefully placed throughout the cemetery, each one representing a child whose life mattered. Bright orange marigolds, roses, and other flowers became symbols of healing, resilience, remembrance, and hope. Every flower carried a silent promise:

You are remembered.

You are honored.

You are not forgotten.

As prayers were offered, stories were shared, and moments of silence filled the cemetery, the gathering became more than a memorial—it became a commitment. A commitment to tell the truth, preserve history, honor the lives of the children connected to the Jesse Lee Home, and ensure their stories continue to be shared with dignity and respect.

The Jesse Lee Cemetery is more than a historic site.

It is sacred ground.

It is a place where memory lives.

It is a place where families reconnect with their history.

It is a place where healing begins.

It is a place where future generations can learn from the past while helping build a better future.

The Qutekcak Native Tribe believes that remembrance is not confined to one day each year. It is a responsibility we carry every day through preservation, education, research, cultural stewardship, and community healing.

September 30 reminds us that truth must be acknowledged before reconciliation can occur. It reminds us that every child had dreams, a family, a name, and a future that deserved to unfold. It reminds us that while history cannot be changed, we each have a responsibility to remember it with honesty, compassion, and respect.

As the ceremony came to a close, the flowers remained among the trees, quietly honoring the children who rest there. Their colors stood in contrast to the forest floor, reminding every visitor that even after loss, hope can continue to bloom.

The Jesse Lee Memorial is more than a place of remembrance.

It is a promise.

A promise that these children will always be remembered.

A promise that their stories will continue to be told.

A promise that future generations will know what happened here and understand why remembrance matters.

Together, we stand in truth.

Together, we remember.

Together, we honor every child.

They Mattered Then. They Matter Now. They Will Always Matter. 🧡

G.O.A.N

​   The Gathering of Alaska Natives (GOAN) is a time of connection, reflection, and empowerment for our people. It serves as a space where voices are uplifted, traditions are honored, and solutions are crafted to address the needs of ​ our communities. Elders, youth, and leaders come together, sharing knowledge, fostering unity, and strengthening the bonds that tie us across the state.

Workshops, cultural presentations, and discussions fill the days, blending traditional knowledge with modern strategies to support the growth and wellbeing of our people. Stories are exchanged, songs are sung, and the rich heritage of Alaska Natives stands at the heart of every gathering.

GOAN is more than an event – it’s a renewal of spirit, a celebration of identity, and a reminder that our strength lies in our shared journey and commitment to one another.

Let’s GROW together!

Our hydroponics Conex box stands as a symbol of innovation and sustainability, blending modern technology with the values of self-reliance and stewardship of the land. Tucked within its steel walls, vibrant rows of leafy greens, herbs, and vegetables grow year-round, nourished by water and light rather than soil. This closed-loop system​ allows us to produce fresh, healthy food for our community regardless of the harsh Alaskan climate.

The hydroponics box not only provides nourishment but serves as a learning tool for youth and adults alike, offering hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture. It reinforces the importance of food security and self-sufficiency, empowering us to cultivate resources in harmony with the environment.

Every harvest is a reminder of our ability to adapt and thrive, honoring the land in new ways while preserving the traditions of caring for our people and our future.