Tlingit and Haida Tribe Earns $40 Million from U.S. Navy Contracts at Guantánamo Bay
The Tlingit and Haida Tribal Business Corporation has secured nearly $40 million in contracts from the U.S. Navy for maintenance and port operations at Guantánamo Bay, with a subsidiary, KIRA, set to continue these services until February 2028. While the corporation emphasizes its operations are distinct from detention activities, some tribal members, including Clarice Johnson, express concern over the implications of their involvement at a facility known for migrant detention, urging for a clearer stance from the tribe on such contracts.

The Tlingit and Haida Tribal Business Corporation has earned nearly $40 million from U.S. Navy contracts at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, where it provides maintenance and port operations. A subsidiary, KIRA, secured contracts set to last until February 2028.
Some tribal members, like Clarice Johnson, express concern about the association with migrant detention at the facility, particularly as the Trump administration utilized it for that purpose. The corporation maintains that its operations are separate from detention activities.
CEO Richard Rinehart stated that they are focused on vessel operation and maintenance, but acknowledged that the ferry they operate may be used for transporting detainees. At least 700 migrants were reportedly detained there in the past year. Johnson is advocating for a clearer stance from the tribe on contracts related to detention.




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