Totem Bight, Ketchikan, Alaska – Image 2738

My favorite spot in Alaska to photograph Southeast Alaska native totems is Totem Bight State Historical Park located about 10 miles outside the town of Ketchikan. It is the only Alaska State Park dedicated solely to Alaska’s native heritage. In 1938, the US Forest Service tasked the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to salvage and reconstruct cedar totems from abandoned native villages in Southeast Alaska. Now, 14 poles plus a clan house now sit on a beautiful piece of waterfront property showcasing the powerful storytelling of this art from Tlingit and Haida carvers. The image illustrates the month of October in my 2012 Southeast Alaska Calendar. Enjoy the photo and thanks for visiting. Camera body: Nikon D200, Lens: Nikkor 20-35 f/2.8 Digital Capture, ISO 200, Polarized© Mark Kelley