Raising Kootéeya Deiyí along Juneau’s waterfront in 2023

Nine Indigenous master carvers are working with the Sealaska Heritage Institute to develop a Totem Pole Trail in Juneau. Totem poles have been used for generations by Indigenous groups in Southeast Alaska as landmarks and storytelling devices.

Kootéeya Deiyí (Totem Pole Trail) will be used to embody Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian spiritual beliefs, empowering Indigenous people to have a visible culture in Alaska’s capital.

Ten totem poles will be unveiled in 2023 across Juneau to celebrate Indigenous tribes who have been historically underrepresented from Alaska’s artwork. This project is made possible by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

– Kayla Kostka, The Alaska 100