ACTIVITIES
The Wooch Jin dul Shat Kootéeya Pole
AN ARCHIVE OF MANY VOICES
In Sitka , traditional Tlingít totem poles , called Kootéeyaa in the Tlingít language , stand tall throughout the community .
These hand-carved archives serve as cultural and historical documentation of the people and events of Sheet ’ ká . Though preservation techniques are used today to help maintain the integrity of totem poles , they weren ’ t always designed to last forever . Past totems were subject to the elements , wearing down over time and eventually returning to the earth . Their stories , however , continued on and inspired other Native artists to create replicas that honored the craftsmanship of previous creators while bringing new voices to the pieces . Similarly to the way stories are passed down among generations , totem poles , like the “ Wooch Jin dul Shat Kootéeya ” pole , are representative of many voices woven together .
The “ Wooch Jin Dul Shat Kootéeya ” or “ Holding Hands Centennial Pole ” sits facing Sitka Sound at the entrance to the Sitka National Historical Park ( SNHP ). Completed in 2011 , the pole was constructed by many different artists to commemorate SNHP ’ s centennial . Each section provides a glimpse into the essence of Sitka ’ s most prominent park . The individual elements work together to create one story , a story that weaves the tale of Sitka National Historical Park . These voices mark SNHP ’ s first centennial , and admirers can trace the park ’ s long history through the detailed carvings that line the towering pole .
14 | VISIT SITKA MAGAZINE