Tongass National Forest

Totem Raising in Petersburg

On October 7, Natives in Petersburg realized a long-held dream. They raised a totem pole in Petersburg. Actually, they raised two totem poles. The day was wet and blustery, but spirits were high and turnout was good. There were plenty of people, Native and non-Native alike, to pull the ropes to raise the poles. The two poles now stand proudly overlooking the main intersection in town, next to the building housing the Petersburg Ranger District.

The following photographs were taken of the event. Clicking on a photo will bring up a full-size version . All these photos have been cropped and optimized for screen viewing. If you would like a copy of the original file (needed for a good print), please contact Ron Hall (rhall05@fs.fed.us). These images are in the public domain. You may use them as you wish, but they may not be copyrighted.

 The scene is set:
2 totems rest on braces on the lawn of the Federal Building as lines drape over a high bar in front of them. 
Photo #1		 A front view of the 2 totems awaiting the raising ceremony 
Photo #2		 A closer view of the rigging that will guide the totem raising 
Photo #3
Rain and breeze don't stop the preparations 
Photo #4		  All sits in readiness for the ceremony to begin
Photo #5

An elevated view of the site showing 2 totems braced on the lawn with lines draped over the framework and fill material ready to steady the poles once they've been raised. 

Photo #6
All is ready for the totem raising 
Photo #7		 Two workers discuss what needs to be done next 
Photo #8		 A crowd gathers for the totem raising 
Photo #9
     

Raising the Eagle pole:
 Helping hands keep pressure on two lines across Main Street as the Eagle pole is raised
Photo #10		 In spite of the rain, a crowd watches the action 
Photo #11		 5 lines guide and lift the Eagle pole 
Photo #12
With 5 lines taut, the Eagle pole rises 
Photo #13		  Lines are used to raise and straighten the pole
Photo #14		 Perfect alignment takes time 
Photo #15
 Almost there. The Eagle pole settles into place.
Photo#16		 Tension on the lines holds the totem in place as workers prepare to fill in the hole around it.
Photo #17		 Lines are still taut as the Eagle pole is steadied in place 
Photo #18
Watching crowds huddle under umbrellas and eaves as workers pull a lateral line across Haugen Drive 
Photo #19		  Crowds, some in Native regalia, watch from the street in front of the Federal Building
Photo #20		 Workers throw rocks and gravel into the hole around the base of the totem to secure it in place 
Photo #21
Filling in the hole continues 
Photo #22		  Lots of people watch in the rain
Photo #23		 The crowd fills Main Street as the work progresses 
Photo #24

It takes a lot of material to hold the tall totem securely 

Photo #25

Traffic is stopped as support lines and watchers block the streets on both sides of the totems 

Photo #26

 Plenty of workers contribute to the raising by pulling the lines and filling the holes 
Photo #27 
One lifting line snakes by the crowd across the street...

Photo #28

  ...and through a parking lot...
Photo #29		 ...held by sodden citizens...

Photo #30 

...who are supported by the willing spectators.

Photo #31

More people watching in the rain 

Photo #32

 Almost done filling the hole 
Photo #33
   A view of the Eagle totem in place, flanked by the Federal Buliding and lines of people still holding their ropes.
Photo #34		  
     

Raising the Raven pole:
Attention switches to the Raven pole, to the right of the Eagle pole 
Photo #35		  The Raven pole starts its ascent...
Photo #36

...and lifts higher... 

Photo #37
...and higher... 
Photo #38		 ...and higher 
Photo #39

 Until it slips into place

Photo #40
and workers start throwing rocks into the hole around its base. 
Photo #41		 Pullers continue to hold the ropes taut as more rocks and gravel are thrown in the hole 
Photo #42

Again the lateral rope crosses Haugen Drive as the hole is filled in 

Photo #43
 Again traffic is stopped...
Photo #44		 ...as rope and watchers block the streets, both Haugen Drive... 
Photo #45

...and Main Street 

Photo #46
Rain hasn't dampened enthusiasm or thinned the crowd of participants

Photo #47

 People of all ages and backgrounds watched and helped 
Photo #48		  
     

All done:
Both totems stand tall, still attached to their ropes 
Photo #49		 Both totems stand as the final touches are put on the Raven pole 
Photo #50		 Standing proudly on their prominent corner, the Eagle and Raven totems are a source of pride and recognition for Petersburg Tlingits. 
Photo #51

Updated October 22, 2001


Home