In the interest of clearing up misconceptions and keeping the community in the loop, Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (CCTHITA) is holding an open house Wednesday night to offer information about its application to put land into a federal trust.

The open house, which begins at 5 p.m. in Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall at the Andrew Hope Building, will explain what CCTHITA’s application for putting land into a federal trust means for Juneau.

It will also include a question and answer period and a chance for members of the public to share their thoughts. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., and the event is expected to last until 6 p.m. Light snacks and refreshments will be available.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is considering an application from CCTHITA, which is looking to put seven small parcels of land into a federal trust that would protect it for the future. These parcels of land are primarily located in the parking lot at the Andrew Hope Building, which is on the site of the Juneau Indian Village.

Putting the land into trust would also exempt it from local laws, and federal law would apply. If CCTHITA’s application is approved, it will become the second tribal association in the state to succeed, following Craig Tribal Association.