| On Saturday, September 15, the Organized Village of Kasaan (OVK) welcomed over 500 people who gathered at the Barry C. Stewart School to celebrate the raising of the Unity Pole. The pole was carved by master carver, Stan Marsden and marks the first pole raising in Kasaan since the 1930s.
"I think the name says it all," said Richard Peterson, tribal president and mayor. "It's about working together, solidarity, doing somehting positive and proactive."
Marsden started working on the 38-foot tall traditional red cedar pole a year ago, assisted by Stormy Hamar, who said it was a "privilege and an honor to learn from Stan."
The blessing for the pole was given by Anna Peele, with special words spoken by Viola Burgess and Stan Marsden. The Metlakatla Killer whale Dancers, Klawock Heenya Kwan Dancers, Hydaburg Talang Uu Xataagang Dancers and the Craig Island Dancers all performed during the historic celebration. Photos are courtesy of OVK and Bonnie Hamar.
|