Qutekcak Native Tribe
“Changing with the tides, in harmony with our people, land and heritage.”
They mattered then. They matter now. And they will continue to matter for generations to come.
Yesterday, we reached another important milestone in the preservation of the Jesse Lee Cemetery.
With the completion of Phase 2, the new memorial entrance now stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance, respect, and healing. For many years, the stories of the children connected to the Jesse Lee Home remained largely untold. Today, their memory is honored in a way that will welcome visitors for generations to come.
The words displayed across the entrance say it best:
"They Mattered Then... and They Matter Now."
This project represents countless hours of planning, research, fundraising, volunteer labor, and community support. Every board, every post, every design element was created with one purpose—to ensure the children resting here are never forgotten.
The Jesse Lee Cemetery is more than a historic site. It is sacred ground. It is a place where families, descendants, survivors, and community members can come to reflect, learn, grieve, heal, and remember.
As we celebrate the completion of Phase 2, we also recognize that this is not the end of the journey. The work of preserving history, honoring those who came before us, and educating future generations continues.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this vision a reality. Your support ensures that these children, their stories, and their legacy will continue to be remembered.
Yesterday we completed a gateway. More importantly, we opened a path to remembrance.
❤️ They Mattered Then... and They Matter Now.
Community Announcement
Jesse Lee Cemetery Memorial Project – Phase 2 Complete
The Qutekcak Native Tribe is honored to announce the completion of Phase 2 of the Jesse Lee Cemetery Memorial Project.
Yesterday, community members, visitors, and descendants witnessed the completion of the memorial entrance gateway bearing the words:
"They Mattered Then... and They Matter Now."
This milestone represents far more than the completion of a construction project. It reflects a continued commitment to honoring the children connected to the Jesse Lee Home and ensuring that their lives, stories, and legacy remain visible for generations to come.
When Phase 1 was funded, we spoke of creating a lasting place of remembrance. With the completion of Phase 2, that vision now stands at the entrance to the cemetery—a visible expression of dignity, respect, and acknowledgment for those who rest here.
For many years, the Jesse Lee Cemetery remained largely hidden from public view. While the memories of those buried here were carried by families, descendants, and community members, there was little to mark the significance of this sacred place. The completion of the memorial gateway changes that.
Today, visitors entering the cemetery are welcomed by artwork that reflects the culture, history, and spirit of Alaska Native peoples. The entrance serves as both a place of remembrance and an invitation to learn about a chapter of history that should never be forgotten.
The Jesse Lee Cemetery is more than a historic site. It is sacred ground.
It is a place where children are remembered.
It is a place where families can reflect.
It is a place where future generations can learn.
It is a place where healing can continue.
As people pass beneath the memorial archway, they are reminded that every child who lived, learned, struggled, and dreamed at the Jesse Lee Home mattered. Their lives continue to matter today, and their stories deserve to remain part of our collective memory.
The Qutekcak Native Tribe extends its sincere gratitude to the many individuals, organizations, volunteers, and supporters who helped make this project possible. We are especially grateful to the Rasmuson Foundation for their support of this important work and to all community partners who have stood beside us throughout this journey.
This project has never been solely about preserving a cemetery. It has been about preserving memory, honoring lives, and ensuring that history is acknowledged with truth, compassion, and respect.
While Phase 2 marks a major accomplishment, our work at the Jesse Lee Cemetery continues. Future efforts will focus on continued preservation, education, interpretation, and honoring the children and families connected to this sacred place.
The memorial gateway now stands as a promise to future generations:
That these children will not be forgotten.
That their stories will continue to be told.
And that remembrance remains part of who we are.
They mattered then. They matter now. And they will continue to matter for generations to come.
With gratitude,
Qutekcak Native Tribe
Community Appreciation
Honoring the Partnership and Support of North of Hope
The Qutekcak Native Tribe would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to North of Hope for their support, partnership, and commitment to the Jesse Lee Cemetery Memorial Project.
Meaningful work is rarely accomplished alone. It requires individuals and organizations willing to stand beside a community, listen to its history, honor its stories, and help carry a vision forward. Throughout the development of the Jesse Lee Cemetery Memorial Project, North of Hope has been one of those valued partners.
Their encouragement, advocacy, and presence have reinforced the importance of preserving the history of the Jesse Lee Home and honoring the children whose lives are forever connected to this sacred place. Their support helped bring greater awareness to a story that deserves to be remembered and shared.
The completion of the memorial gateway represents more than a physical structure. It represents a collective commitment to truth, remembrance, healing, and honoring those who came before us. Partnerships like the one we share with North of Hope remind us that remembrance is strengthened when communities come together with a common purpose.
We are especially grateful for North of Hope's willingness to walk alongside us in this journey. Their dedication to historical preservation, community healing, and honoring the lives of those impacted by the Jesse Lee Home has helped ensure that these stories remain visible and accessible for future generations.
As visitors pass beneath the memorial gateway and read the words, "They Mattered Then... and They Matter Now," they will see more than a monument. They will see the result of people and organizations working together to ensure that memory is preserved with dignity and respect.
On behalf of the Tribal Council, staff, descendants, community members, and all those connected to the Jesse Lee Cemetery, we offer our sincere thanks to North of Hope for their partnership, friendship, and unwavering support.
Together, we honor the past.
Together, we preserve memory.
Together, we help ensure that future generations never forget.
With sincere appreciation,
Qutekcak Native Tribe
Historical Overview
The aboriginal Qutekcak (pronounced K’toochek) Native Tribe was located in and around Seward, Alaska, on the sheltered northern tip of Resurrection Bay, which opens up to the Gulf of Alaska. Qutekcak translates from the Alutiiq language as “Big Beach” (Quta meaning beach). Qutekcak was a prehistoric Alaska Native mixing area, serving as a crossroads for the various Alutiiq and Sugpiaq groups residing in the rich marine geographical region of South Central Alaska, extending from Kodiak and the Alaska Peninsula in the west, across Lower Cook Inlet/Kachemak Bay and the Gulf of Alaska, to the islands of Prince William Sound and the northern Alaska Panhandle in the east.
Other Alaska Natives joined the aboriginal community through forced labor and voluntary work when the Russian traders established a ship building settlement at the present day Seward location in the early part of 19th century. U. S. commercial interests, beginning in 1867 with the U. S. purchase of Alaska from Russia, provided further population influx and mixing. Gold miners arrived in the 1890’s, setting up an encampment as the trail head for the overland route to Hope and Sunrise. Then in 1903 the Alaska Railroad officially established the town of Seward as its southern terminus by purchasing land from Mary Lowell, of mixed Russian and Alaska Native ancestry, and building over an old Native village site.
Your Community Resource
QNT…
is the tribal organization of the Native Community of Seward, Alaska. It is created to promote the unity, self-determination, and empowerment of our members and other Native people residing in the Eastern Kenai Peninsula. Qutekcak provides services that strengthen the people by increasing opportunities, and enhancing their mental, physical, and spiritual well being, in harmony with our land, and heritage.
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Jesse Lee Cemetery Memorial: They Mattered Then, They Matter Now
The Jesse Lee Cemetery stands as a sacred place of remembrance for the children taken to the Jesse Lee Home in Seward — children whose lives became part of a painful chapter in our shared history, and some who never returned home. It is a place where memory must be held with care, where lives are honored with dignity, and where truth is not hidden but acknowledged. Here, we remember not only those who were lost, but the enduring strength of those whose stories remain connected to this land. In honoring this place, we commit ourselves to truth, remembrance, healing, and unity for generations to come.
Honoring Stewardship: Qutekcak Native Tribe Recognized with Planet Blue Partner Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Qutekcak Native Tribe Receives Planet Blue Partner Award from the Alaska SeaLife Center
Seward, Alaska — The Qutekcak Native Tribe is proud and deeply honored to be named the recipient of the Planet Blue Partner Award by the Alaska SeaLife Center. This distinguished recognition highlights not only the Tribe’s dedication to cultural preservation and environmental stewardship, but also the power of collaboration built through strong partnerships and shared values.
Honoring Shared Stewardship
The Planet Blue Partner Award is more than a symbol of achievement—it represents the respect, trust, and shared responsibility that have developed between the Qutekcak Native Tribe and the Alaska SeaLife Center. Together, the Tribe and the Center have worked to advance a common vision: protecting Alaska’s waters and wildlife, supporting education and research, and honoring the traditional knowledge that has sustained Alaska Native people and the environment for generations.
Recognizing Carol and Garry Hull
The Qutekcak Native Tribe extends its deepest gratitude to Carol Pickett Hull and Garry Hull, whose vision, leadership, and tireless dedication made this recognition possible. Their guidance and efforts have been instrumental in strengthening the connection between the Qutekcak Native Tribe and the Alaska SeaLife Center. This honor stands as a testament to their commitment to community, education, and environmental care.
Commitment to Alaska’s Future
The Qutekcak Native Tribe accepts the Planet Blue Partner Award on behalf of its members, its partners, and all who share in the responsibility of protecting Alaska’s unique ecosystems. This recognition reinforces the Tribe’s shared belief that collaboration, respect, and stewardship are the foundation for a healthier future—for both people and the planet.
Who We Are
Strengthening Our People. Honoring Our Heritage. Building Forward.
At Qutekcak Native Tribe, our work reaches beyond programs — it reflects a living commitment to our people, our culture, and the future we are building together.
Every effort we lead is rooted in the belief that strong communities are created when culture is protected, families are supported, opportunities are expanded, and history is honored.
Across our work, we are actively strengthening community life through initiatives that preserve Alaska Native heritage, support wellness, respond to community needs, and create practical pathways for future generations.
Our work includes:
Cultural preservation and traditional knowledge
Youth leadership and community engagement
Elder support and family-centered services
Wellness, prevention, and healing initiatives
Advocacy and community response efforts
Food security and local resource development
Infrastructure and community improvement projects
Historical preservation and education
Strategic partnerships that expand opportunity
From cultural classes and youth programs to wellness initiatives, advocacy efforts, community development projects, and historical preservation, our work reflects both immediate service and long-term vision.
We continue to build in ways that honor who we are while preparing for what comes next — creating stronger systems, stronger connections, and stronger opportunities for future generations.
Everything we do is guided by responsibility: to our people, to our land, to our history, and to those who will come after us.
Rooted in tradition. Driven by purpose. Building a stronger future together.