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Experience the Living Culture of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian People

Experience the Living Culture of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian People

Published June 29, 2026

Explore the rich Northwest coast art and stories of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people through this collection of videos produced by Tlingit & Haida. Each video highlights the celebration of raising a totem pole by our communities.

We invite you to experience the vibrant living culture of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people through these stories.  View more images here.

The Kadashan Totem Pole The current Eagle Kadashan Pole is the fourth iteration and a replica of the version carved in 1940. Its origins trace back to the early 1800s, when Haida relatives gifted Chief Kadashan, a Kaasx̱ʼagweidí clan leader, a five-foot carved wooden staff to honor the intermarriages between Haida men and Tlingit women. A few years later, Kadashan raised a totem pole depicting the staff, marking the creation of the first Kadashan Pole in the 1830s. It originally stood near the present-day site of Trident Seafoods in Wrangell. This totem pole stands as a powerful symbol of repatriation, and enduring ties between Wrangell Tlingit community and Haida people. Haida master carver TJ Young carved the Kadashan totem pole. A team of apprentices supported TJ Young including Mike Hoyt, Tony Harding and Linda Churchill, Susie Byford and Jerry Knapp. It raised in July 2025.
Bear Up the Mountain Totem Pole Tells the story of the Naanya.aayí X’atgu Hít survival during a great flood by following the bear up the mountain. The pole was originally restored in 1940 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The Bear Up the Mountain totem pole was re-carved by Haida master carver Joe Young. A team of apprentices supported Joe Young including Mike Hoyt, Tony Harding and Linda Churchill. It raised in July 2025.
Killer Whale Grave Marker The Killer Whale Grave Marker totem pole, told by Kayaashkeiditaan, was carved in honor of Shx’atoo, who was hanged during the Wrangell Bombardment in 1869. Killer Whale Grave Marker totem pole was carved by Mike Hoyt.

Tlingit & Haida joined Ketchikan Indian Community and the Alaska Native Heritage Center calling for Respect for Alaska Native homelands, cultures, and peoples. The joint statement acknowledges the welcome of visitors to the traditional homelands of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people.

“Totem poles are not tourist props, social media backdrops, or objects to be mocked for entertainment. They carry our histories, clan stories, ancestors, and cultural teachings. While some may intend this trend to be fun or good-natured, the unintended consequence is that it diminishes and trivializes living Indigenous cultures.” Said Richard J. Peterson, President, Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. “We welcome visitors to our homelands and encourage people to learn about our cultures with respect. We ask that those who visit Southeast Alaska honor our totem poles and cultural treasures with the same care they would expect for the places, histories, and traditions sacred to them.” Read the full statement here.

We invite you to explore this collection of videos celebrating totem poles throughout the traditional homeland of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people. The videos capture more than the raising of monumental works of art. They reflect the strength of our Native communities, the passing of knowledge between generations and the enduring traditions of ceremony, song, dance, and storytelling. Each totem represents the history, values, and identities of the clans and communities who continue to honor and preserve these living cultural traditions. We hope these stories inspire a deeper appreciation for the vibrant cultures and resilience of the peoples of the Northwest Coast.