Ketchikan in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
Chief Johnson Kootéeyaa
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
1. Chief Johnson Kootéeyaa Marker
Kootéeyaa (totem poles) are carved to honor ancestors, commemorate significant events, and to proclaim the lineage of a clan. They were never worshipped as religious objects.
This totem pole, carved by Tlingit master carver Israel Shotridge and raised in 1989, is a reproduction of the original raised nearby in 1902. Chief Gut Waim (George Johnson) was chief of the Gaanax.αdi Tlingit (Raven moiety) of the Taanta Kwαan (Tongass) in the early 1900s. He commissioned the original totem pole in honor of his mother. The original stood until 1982. Tlingit master carver Tommy Joseph restored this totem pole in 2017.
At 60 high, the fabled Kadjuk, the Chiefs house crest, rests at the top. At the base is Fog Woman, creator of all salmon.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical year for this entry is 1989.
Location. 55° 20.519′ N, 131° 38.565′ W. Marker is in Ketchikan, Alaska, in Ketchikan Gateway Borough. It is at the intersection of Dock Street and Mill Street, on the right when traveling north on Dock Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this
this page online
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: 'Cat' Houses & Sporting Women (within shouting distance of this marker); In Defiance of the Dry Squad (within shouting distance of this marker); Creek Flood of Time (within shouting distance of this marker); Star House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Star House (within shouting distance of this marker); Sea and Skyline (within shouting distance of this marker); Carving a Place in History (within shouting distance of this marker); Crossing a Frontier (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ketchikan.
Another marker is no longer
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
2. Chief Johnson Kootéeyaa Marker
More about this marker. The right of the marker contains a picture of the totem pole and explains its features. At the top is The Kadjuk, the house crest of Chief Johnsons clan, is a storied birdof long ago said to amuse itself by dropping stones that would become talismans, bringing a lifetime of good fortune to those lucky enough to acquire a stone. The shaft space symbolizes the lofty habitat and high regard in which the crest is held. At the bottom of the pole are Ravens slaves, Raven and Fog Woman holding salmon.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
3. Chief Johnson Kootéeyaa Marker
Marker can be seen at the base of the totem.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
4. Fog Woman
Fog Woman was the creator of all salmon
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
5. Kadjuk
Kadjuk is the Chief Johnson's house crest.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 11, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
