H I S TO R Y & A R C H I T E C T U R E I S S U E 2 2
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POTLATCH TOTEM PARK &
KETCHIKAN HIGHLIGHTS
Discover the coastal community of Ketchikan
and learn about the ancient native craft of
totem pole carving. Potlatch Totem Park is a
modern recreation of a 19th-century native
village, located on historic Tlingit fishing
grounds on the shores of the Tongass
Narrows. Here, you can see numerous
houses, totem poles and panels, and hear the
legends behind the designs. Visit the carving
studio to learn about their ancient technique.
After enjoying a light snack at the Alaska
Totem Trading Company, you will embark on
a scenic city drive through the south
easternmost city in Alaska. Travel past the
lively waterfront to the historic downtown
area of Ketchikan, where your guide will
point out highlights such as City Park, Nathan
Jackson's Thundering Wings, a totem statue
in the shape of a bald eagle and the Dolly's
House Museum, located in the famous
red-light district, before returning to
your ship.
SAXMAN
NATIVE VILLAGE
Experience Native American culture through
song, dance and stories during
a visit to the Saxman Native Village.
Here, you will experience the rich living
culture of its residents, including the legends
behind the figures adorning their majestic
totem poles. You will be traditionally
welcomed by Tlingit village elders with an
elaborate greeting ceremony and savour an
Alaskan snack. Admire their glorious folkloric
regalia, adorned with hand-beaded designs
of animal motifs that represent their clan.
After enjoying this time-honoured tradition,
visit one of the largest collections of totem
poles in the world and see craftsmen passing
on their skills to eager apprentices at the
Village Carving Centre. Stop by the Beaver
Clan House and watch history come alive as
you enjoy a song-and-dance performance,
and listen as your hosts regale you with
heartfelt tribal stories of their traditions
and ancestry.
ICY STRAIT
POINT
Experience life in a Tlingit village during this
fascinating excursion. The small community
of Hoonah is many things to its residents: a
lively fishing hamlet, an old logging town
and the world's largest Tlingit community. Its
growth began with a booming canning
industry, and today it is a tranquil and
welcoming seaside haven adorned with
native art. Visit the Heritage Centre Native
Theatre where you can view a colourful Tribal
Dance and Cultural Legends performance by
local students that provides both insight into
tribal traditions and a rich glimpse of
long-cherished customs. Wearing authentic,
vibrant regalia, Huna Tlingit performers will
share their history and culture through song,
dance and storytelling. You will also have an
opportunity to board a tram for a drive
through Hoonah to see totem poles
while learning about the town's history from
an experienced guide.
V I K I N G E XC U R S I O N S
On Viking's Alaska & the Inside Passage voyage, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to
spotting totem poles. ese excursions take in some of the finest examples of Alaska's totem poles.
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