William Seward wasn't necessarily seen as a "great white man" for buying Alaska. He was ridiculed about it until the rest of the United States realized that Alaska could make them rich. Seward saw Alaska's potential and fought for the U.S. to get hold of the land despite much criticism. It is true that Alaska Natives tribes were negatively impacted by colonialism in the past. We should be aware of what happened in history, learn from it, and not repeat it– but we can't change it. A statue of Seward should not stand to remind everyone of past injustices, but to recognize the perseverance and hard work it took to get us to where we are today.