Amazing ALASKA
EXPLORE THE ART AND CULTURE
OF ALASKA'S NATIVE PEOPLE
Native American culture comes to life
through song, dance and stories during
Viking's Privileged Access visit to the Saxman
Native Village in Ketchikan. Here, you can
experience the rich living culture of the local
people, including the legends behind the
figures that adorn their majestic totem poles.
Enjoy a warm welcome by Tlingit village
elders, with an elaborate greeting ceremony.
Admire their glorious folkloric regalia,
adorned with hand-beaded designs of
animal motifs that represent their clan.
Wander around 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.
Listening to the heartfelt tribal stories and
observing the traditions of the Native Alaska
people is the most immersive and
memorable way to explore this exciting
destination.
THE MEANING OF TOTEM POLES
Like the native Tlingit people, Alaska's Haida
people live on Alaska's southeast coast. And
also like their Tlingit neighbours, Haida
totem poles are an integral part of their
culture. The 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.
From eagles circling snow-capped mountains to whales traversing deep waters,
from ice-blue glaciers the size of skyscrapers to bright red totems, Alaska is
every bit as wild as you imagine it to be, and even more spectacular.
ere is no better way to
explore the Last Frontier
than on board a Viking
ship that offers the last
word in comfort.
Humpback whale, Juneau, Alaska
Alaskan wildlife in their natural habitat
61 | Viking Explorer Society News
