In February, three teenagers drove around downtown Anchorage firing paint ball guns. Their specific intent was to aim only at Alaska Natives. They videotaped the brutal attacks and recorded their statements that what they wanted was "to nail some Eskimos."

Chugiak officials acted decisively after media reports of the paintball shootings. Chugiak High School Principal Jan Christensen and other school officials called in a multi-cultural panel to meet with Chugiak's Positive Action Committee. Panelists included Lee Stephan, Eklutna Village Chief; the Rev. Dr. William Green, Eagle River Baptist pastor; and representatives of the book published by The CIRI Foundation Growing Up Native in Alaska. Panelists in addition to author Alexandra J. McClanahan were Jim LaBelle, Brenda Takes Horse and Dawn Dinwoodie.

The Positive Action Committee's main purpose is to promote positive themes at Chugiak and to be a direct conduit for dissemination of information. Members of the committee are leaders representing all of the major groups and organizations at the school.

"I thought it was just a fantastic presentation from leaders in our community who stepped forward in addressing this situation," said Pat Walker, assistant principal. "It was very well received by the students."

Also responding to the incidents in another forum was CIRI Executive Vice President Barbara Donatelli. Anchorage Mayor Wuerch invited Donatelli and Calista Corporation's Matthew Nicolai to meet with him and police investigators working the case.

Donatelli believes the attacks have provoked unified community outrage.

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