PHASE ONE
The Jesse Lee Cemetery Project began six years ago by clearing the overgrowth and over the years since, hauling over fifty truck and dump trailer loads of debris to the Seward Landfill.
North of Hope has invested in the documenting of graves, identifying markers and doing what we can toward the restoration of dignity to this sacred ground. We have walked these acres with tribal elders, listened to their stories, and felt the weight of a history too often overlooked.
We have created plans for the initial arch structure that went up in the summer of 2026. The funding for Phase One has been secured; the construction teams have been deployed and the supplies for all the materials have been used in completing this step.
Temporary panels with appropriate graphics have been installed as placeholders while we tackle Phase Two: The carving of the totems, the carving of the center panel and the interpretive sign that will guide visitors as they enter the Jesse Lee Cemetery.
The work for Phase Two will commence - and is set for a Summer 2027 completion.
Celebrating Answered Prayers
This project has been blessed by the donation of the Architectural Drawings and Engineering required by the City of Seward. We want to thank PND Engineering in Anchorage for their generous donation! Without PND Engineering, we would have had trouble getting this project off the ground. Much gratitude for their vision and willingness to help!
The Following Has Also Been Provided:
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3 - 12" x 12" x 20' Wood Beams
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2 Pieces of 6" x 6" x 20' Schedule 80 Square Steel Tubing
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Two 1/2" Spiral Rebar Reinforcing Cages
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8 Cubic Yards of Concrete
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Industrial Excavator and Operator
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All Mounting Bolts and Hardware
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Two-Ton Crane and Operator
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Master Carver to Create Art and Carve Totems and Main Panel for Phase Two