Ketchikan’s city attorney canceling the event could violate the state’s civil rights law and the First Amendment in addition to the city’s antidiscrimination ordinance.
The Metlakatla Indian Community tribal government argues that a 1891 law gives its modern-day members unfettered rights to commercially fish around Ketchikan and Prince of Wales Island.
Business owners and local officials say they’re worried that keeping guests in a bubble would squeeze out most of Southeast Alaska’s small tour companies, retailers and restaurants.