Located in Centennial Park is a very tall totem pole made of red cedar. There is a nearby interpretive display that highlights this wooden carving and it reads:
Alaskan Indian Arts, Inc. in Haines, Alaska, fashioned this 32' totem pole in 1975.
The carvings are the authentic work of Tlingit Indians. (Tlingit is pronounced Tuh-lin-git with a hard "g").
John Hagen, Ed Kasko & Cliff Thomas were the principal carvers of these works of art on red cedar, which are painted in traditional colors produced with mineral paints.
Originally situated at Pier 48, this totem pole was relocated here in June, 2009.
EAGLE represents a main clan of the Tlingit tribe.
BROWN BEAR denotes the great size of Alaska, holding a TINNAH or money piece as a symbol of the great wealth of the great land.
KILLER WHALE portrays tenacity and great strength.
HAWK depicts eyesight and perception of our future.
GRIZZLY BEAR typifies bravery, but holds a MOSQUITO to warn people all is not easy.
STRONG BOY was ridiculed by all as being a dolt and or being lazy. Strong Boy exercised in secret and when his uncle was swallowed by a SEA LION, all the other nephews ran. Strong Boy seized the Sea Lion by the tail and tore it in half, letting his uncle out alive.
Unfortunately, this totem pole's paints have faded greatly over the years and not the vibrant, colorful piece of art that it once was. The wood is in overall good shape though.