Tlingit and Haida ends internal review with no finding in abuse accusations against its president

Council’s report states workforce improvements made, does not mention allegations against Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson; tribal citizens complain about lack of transparency

Jacqueline Pata (wearing blue), first vice president Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, reads a report about a review of workplace practices during an Executive Council meeting Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (Screenshot from livestream of Executive Council’s meeting)

By Mark Sabbatini

Juneau Independent

A tribal council’s review initiated after abuse accusations were made by a former romantic partner against Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson, president of the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, has concluded with no finding of whether the accusations have merit.

Instead, council leaders declared Friday the review has concluded with workforce improvements "including the addition of a third-party reporting system and additional training."

The announcement prompted immediate criticism from tribal citizens about a lack of transparency and a seeming effort by leaders to sweep the allegations under the rug.

The allegations against Peterson, the tribe’s president since 2014, were made in a private July 30 social media post that was shared publicly a few days later by a political news/opinion website. On Aug. 7, Jacqueline Pata, first vice president of the tribe’s executive council, stated in an email to employees that a review was being conducted.

During an Executive Council meeting on Friday morning, Pata read what she said was the council’s report following the review.

"Tlingit and Haida has been reviewing an employment matter with the assistance of outside counsel following a social media post concerning private personal lives of current and former employees," she read. "The review focused on whether inappropriate conduct occurred in the workplace and whether effective measures are in place to uphold workplace respect and accountability."

"With expert assistance, the tribe also conducted a broader review of its policies, procedures and reporting mechanisms resulting in several improvements, including the addition of a third-party reporting system and additional training. The goal is to further ensure all employees feel supported and comfortable seeking help through appropriate resources."

"With the review of this matter now concluded, we are confident in moving forward with strengthened policies and supports in place. Tlingit and Haida remains committed to providing a respectful and welcoming workplace that honors our traditions and culture, and reflects tribal values."

The report was denounced by Chloey Cavanaugh, a tribal citizen who started an online petition a week ago demanding an independent investigation into the tribal council’s leadership and handling of misconduct allegations. The petition has more than 360 signatures as of midday Friday.

"This is a sweep under the rug of the brave women who have come forward to share their harm," she wrote in a post shared publicly on Facebook. "This is taking away the way they were impacted, and instead strategically taking the focus off of the accusations, but putting the focus on moving forward and ignoring. This is absolute disrespect and a repeat of what occurred at the National Congress of American Indians. We can not move forward if there is no accountability and commitment to rebuilding trust."

In a subsequent text message interview with the Independent, Cavanaugh stated she also has concerns about the workforce improvements announced by the tribe.

"For myself I feel it still is so vague," she wrote. "Does the 3rd party reporting then go to their current HR? If so that's not safe."

Peterson and the woman making the accusations did not immediately return messages from the Independent on Friday morning seeking a response to Friday’s report and responses to it. The specific accusations against Peterson and the woman’s name are not being published by the Independent since no charges, public legal filings or other substantiation of the allegations are known.

Dixie Hutchison, a spokesperson for Tlingit and Haida, sent a revised statement from the Executive Council in response to questions about why the report did not address the accusations against Peterson. The update also does not reference him specifically.

"The review was thorough, unbiased, and confidential and is now concluded," a passage not in the original report notes. "As always, when allegations are raised they will be taken seriously."

Several tribal citizens offering public comments to the council before the report was read referenced the allegations, with concerns about transparency in the matter a common theme.

Stlaay-Cloud Morrison, an Anchorage nurse, said she was sexually assaulted while in the U.S. Navy and "never received justice for the harm I endured." She said abuse against Alaska Native women is common, and "I do place a great deal of hope in my tribe to uphold transparency and accountability."

"This is not about the allegations themselves, but about how we address them with openness, fairness and integrity," she said. "Transparency is essential to ensure justice and to protect survivors and, at most, to rebuild trust within our community."

"It's deeply troubling when serious complaints are not handled with honesty and respect they deserve, and only through genuine Transparency can our tribe demonstrate true respect for survivors and a real commitment to healing…I am truly hopeful for the path that we're on, and I just sincerely hope for more transparency in the coming days."

• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.