Downtown Juneau in Juneau Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
Shangukeidí Kootéeyaa
| — | Kootéeyaa Deiyí - Totem Pole Trail | — |
Photographed by Thomas Smith, August 10, 2025
1. Shangukeidi Kooteeyaa Marker
The Shangukeidí, who are of the Eagle moiety, identified as the Thunderbird clan. Their oral traditions vary in identifying the clan's original homeland. One accounts points to the Naas River in British Columbia, from where they migrated to the interior of Alaska and then to the coast. Another speaks of a migration from the interior to the Alsek River. Another account disputes these interior origins and migration to the coast. It instead speaks of a costal migration and cites a “boat song” and “big, big ocean-type waves.” In this account, they landed on an island known as Sháan or Shánguki, warred with the original inhabitants, and took their name Shangukeidí.
Designs
The designs on the Shangukeidí totem pole include four of their crests, The Thunderbird, White Bear, and House Lowered from the Sun were obtained through supernatural encounters. The bottom crest represents a historical encounter with a US military officer who failed to adequately compensate the Shangukeidí. As payment for this debt, they took his name and the military uniform.
Carver
Jackson Polys, Tlingit master Artist, Saxman
Apprentices:
this page online
Erected by Kooteeyaa Deiyi Totem Pole Trail.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.
Location. 58° 17.788′ N, 134° 24.067′ W. Marker is in Juneau, Alaska, in Juneau Borough. It is in Downtown Juneau. It is on South Franklin Street 0.1 miles west of Peoples Wharf when traveling south. By Goldbelt Tram. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Juneau AK 99801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Alaska, in Tlingit and Haida & Tsimshian Region. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, the Inside Passage, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Russian Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Commercial Fishing (here, next to this marker); The History Around You (within shouting
Photographed by Thomas Smith, August 10, 2025
2. Shangukeidi Kooteeyaa Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2025, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 333 times since then and 144 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 19, 2025, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
