Tlingit and Haida reviewing abuse accusations against Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson

Notice sent to tribal employees states review is occurring after allegations are made public on social media

Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson, president of the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. (Official photo by Tlingit and Haida)

Abuse accusations by a former romantic partner against Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson, president of the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, are being reviewed, according to Jacqueline Pata, first vice president of the tribe’s executive council.

The allegations published in a Facebook post on July 30 circulated widely on social media after being shared Wednesday by The Alaska Landmine, whose editor and owner Jeff Landfield has targeted tribal officials in other unrelated business disputes during the past couple of years. On Thursday, Pata issued a written response to Tlingit and Haida employees stating the executive council is aware of the social media post and "this matter is being taken very seriously."

"The Executive Council promptly initiated a review," she wrote. "This process is being handled with care, respect and a strong commitment to fairness for everyone involved. Our priority is to ensure that all employees are supported and protected in matters relating to their employment and that our policies reflect those protections."

"To protect the integrity of the review and to respect those involved, please refrain from discussing this matter online or in the workplace," the message adds.

Dixie Hutchinson, a spokesperson for the tribal government, said Thursday that Peterson is on personal leave and is expected to return next week. She couldn’t clarify if he took leave due to the allegations, but said it was incorrect Peterson was placed on administrative leave, which The Alaska Landmine reported Thursday.

Peterson did not answer questions sent by the Juneau Independent on Thursday regarding the accusations. The woman who posted the original accusations on her personal Facebook page also did not respond to messages from the Independent as of midday Friday.

The specific accusations against Peterson and the name of the woman making them are not being published by the Independent since no charges, public legal filings or other substantiation of the allegations are known.

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