The carvings on the poles that represent
living beings as inanimate objects are
forbidden. Among the Haida poles you'll see
many whale carvings, as the Haida have a
spiritual connection with the whale. They
believe the whales' display of loyalty and
obedience among themselves parallels the
values of their clan system. The whale is also
seen as friendly and helpful to humans and
the Haida believe that those lost at sea are
spiritually adopted into the orca pod.
DISCOVER A WINDOW ON THE SEA
Watch ocean scientists study Alaska's rich
seas and diverse marine life on an exclusive,
behind-the-scenes Privileged Access visit to
Alaska's only public aquarium and ocean
wildlife rescue centre.
The Alaska SeaLife Centre is located on
the shores of the stunningly beautiful
Clockwise, from
top: Traditional
dress, Alaska; Viking
Orion near the
Hubbard Glacier,
Alaska; totem poles,
Potlatch Totem
Park, Ketchikan;
black bear, Kenai
Fjords National Park,
Seward, Alaska.
Resurrection Bay in Seward. This nonprofit
research institution offers visitors close
encounters with puffins, octopuses, sea
lions and other marine animals. The
centre's cutting-edge marine research and
commitment to protecting Alaska's ocean
enables you to experience and understand
the wildlife first hand. There is no more
immersive way to explore the nation's
extraordinary marine world.
"e meaning of the designs on totem poles are as
varied as the cultures that create them. Some poles
recount familiar legends, clan lineages or notable
events, while others are mostly artistic."
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