Chief Johnson Totem Pole

Chief Johnson Totem Pole. . , If you look in the distance to the tall, salmon-colored building, you will see the Chief Johnson totem pole. This masterpiece of the carver's art tells the story of Fog Woman and her role in the annual return of salmon. Carved in 1989 by Israel Shotridge, this totem pole is a replica of a memorial pole erected in 1902 for the Gaanax.ádi Tlingit of the Taant'a Kwáan (Tongass). The original memorial pole stood until 1982, and can be seen inside the Totem Heritage Center., A common misconception about totem poles is that they can be read like a book. Tribal histories were passed on orally and through art that is not always easily interpreted. While many figures on a totem pole are easily identifiable, you can only guess at its full meaning unless you also are told its story., The story of Fog Woman is the story of why salmon return every year to Ketchikan Creek and other waterways throughout Southeast Alaska. The QR code to the upper right of this interpretive panel provides more information on this pole,including a video of Israel Shotridge's brother Willard Jackson telling the story of Fog Woman., The Totem Heritage Center is at the mid-point of the Salmon Walk. We encourage you to leave time in your journey to visit the Center and enjoy all that it offers., [Photo captions read] , [Left] Tlingit children by the Chief Johnson totem pole., [Right] Master Carver Israel Shotridge with his replica of the Chief Johnson Totem Pole. 1989.