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Review:
The origin of Totem Bight State Historical Park came long before the park was actually established; in the early 1900s, many Natives Alaskans were forced to move out of their settlements in search of work because of the non-native settlements that had come in and refused to barter. Over 30 years later, these abandoned villages and totem poles had become eroded by the weather and overgrown by their forest surrounding. The US Forest Service initiated a program that enabled skilled older carvers to not only help repair or duplicate the totem poles, but also teach their skills to young artisans so that the tradition could continue. Many of those you’ll see at the park today will either be restored originals or exact replicas made with the same handmade tools and natural paints that were originally used.
9883 N Tongass Hwy, Ketchikan, AK 99901
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