The tribal court of 12 Tlingit elders deliberated for 3 1/2 hours
after 2 days of hearings which followed various ceremonial rites
to prepare the location and the participants for the trial.
Afterward the "lead judge", Rudy James, said the boys would be
monitored to measure their progress, and is quoted as saying "This
is not a punishment of a punitive nature. This is not a
punishment of endurance to survive in very harsh conditions." "It
is the judgment of this court that the aim of the sentence is for
rehabilitation." The boys are being provided with appropriate
tools and supplies.
Present during the proceedings was Tim Whittlesey, 25, of Everett,
Washington, who was assaulted by two as he delivered a pizza. He
suffered permanent hearing and eyesight damage in the attack.
Whittlesey was quoted as being satisfied that this judgment was
far better than anything that could likely have happened in the
Washington state courts. He also expressed concern about the
suffering of the parents of the boys.
Also described are a series of exchanges between the tribal court
elders and the defendants which, if accurate, tend to indicate
that these young men are very much in need of help. They were
rebuked and admonished more than once for what the elders felt
were inappropriate or dis-respectful responses to questions or
discussion. At one point elder George Dalton Sr. told them "You
don't joke about things like this. This joking manner has brought
you to this position." Simon Roberts replied, "Alcohol has
brought us to this position." Dalton then replied "I didn't ask
you to answer."
Floyd
PS The newspaper article even include a correct pronunciation
guide for Tlingit (CLINK-ut)!