A major part of understanding the Northwest Coast is exposure to its indigenous culture. Exploiting the abundant resources of this region, people developed a rich way of life based on salmon harvest, split plank houses, and elegant watercraft. While the outside trappings of life have changed, many on the Northwest Coast still live in ways remarkably similar to those of ancient times.
Its not surprising that raven is the "cultural hero" of the Northwest Coast, the one who reshaped the world into its present condition. Ravens are extremely intelligent, and use a varied "language" of specific calls. Normally shy, ravens have long lived here in rare close association with people.
Along with its role as a mythic figure, raven is also a totemic crest, part of a group of animals, plants, and geographic features that represent specific families. At the base of this pole stands a beaver, its most significant crest. (So much for the "low man on the totem pole" expression).
Today we explored Ketchikan. We saw spawning salmon and got an eagle's-eye view of eagles. We also saw poles- ancient poles reverently housed, "middle-aged" poles like this one, standing tall, and new poles freshly emergent. Tlingit culture rises in renaissance. We celebrate.
