The Past as Prologue: How Historic Relations with the Federal Government Encouraged Foundations of Resilience and Autonomy for the Metlakatla Indian Community During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors

Casey Skvorc, American Public University SystemFollow
Michelle Watts, American Public University SystemFollow
Kristin Drexler, American Public University SystemFollow

Abstract

Historic relationships with the federal government, converged with the strong cultural heritage, autonomy and self-reliance of the Metlakatla Indian Community (MIC) created foundations for strategic resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sentinel milestone events impacting the MIC during the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, initiated by the President of the United States, Congress, and the Federal Courts, are analyzed in the context of their impact and support of evolving tribal-centered development and enaction of protections for the MIC.

Recommended Citation

Skvorc, Casey; Watts, Michelle; and Drexler, Kristin (2025) "The Past as Prologue: How Historic Relations with the Federal Government Encouraged Foundations of Resilience and Autonomy for the Metlakatla Indian Community During the COVID-19 Pandemic," Journal of Indigenous Research: Vol. 13: Iss. 2025, Article 2.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol13/iss2025/2