For many years the local jail Yukon Kuskokwim Correctional Center has displayed a kayak statue with an indigenous man’s face.

The statue displaying an indigenous person should be removed from the State of Alaska correctional facility area and moved locally, to a different area which better represents the art piece for example such as the Ayaprun Yupik Immersion School (right across the street) or the University of Alaska Fairbanks Kuskokwim Campus or perhaps Public Health Nursing. 

The juxtaposition of the statue near the jail creates and continues to perpetuate social disparities. This negative impact is felt among people local or visitors, who may wrongly associate and cause prejudice to our indigenous people.

The kayak with the indigenous person in front of it should be rehomed to a more appropriate area of the community to better refelect our people and values. Quyana for reading, please consider signing this petition to have this statue moved to a more dignified and appropriate area.