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The City of Hoonah and the non-profit arm of the local Alaska Native corporation, Huna Heritage Foundation, unveiled a brand new, 21-foot totem pole during a ceremony at the Hoonah Harbor on Friday.

The totem pole, called a Kootéeyaa in Lingít, was designed and raised to honor the community’s rich fishing history and traditions. It’s called the Fisherman’s Honor Totem Pole. Carved into the yellow cedar log are depictions of different fishing methods locals use, like gillnetting and seining.

“This is what you’re looking at — the Hoonah fishing people,” said Master Artist Gordon Greenwald. “All of us in the past, all of us in the future, and all of us now.”

A crowd of more than 100 people gathered for the ceremony. Many

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