Totem Pole Raised to Honor Boarding School Residents

The Alaska Native Heritage Center proudly hosts the inaugural totem pole meant to honor the survivors, descendants, and those attendees of the U.S. Indian Boarding School who tragically never returned. According to the center, this pole symbolizes the path of recovery and healing for both Alaska Natives and Native Americans.

TJ Young, the lead sculptor of the totem, mentioned that it’s a site “where visitors can come to remember, rather than merely commemorate.”

Young dedicated three months to craft the totem, emphasizing its portrayal of balancing oneself between two cultural worlds.

“Some of the figures are depicted in human form, and some are dictated in animal form,” Young said. “So they’re kind of dancing that fine line between both worlds, which is what the school children had to do. And the parents had to go through.”

The totem pole ascended at the center on October 22. There was a potlatch, speeches, and dancing after the rising.

Attendee B.J. Bains-Jordan expressed her belief that the pole will aid in healing. Although Bains-Jordan attended a boarding school as a child, she claims to have had a positive experience. She added, though, that several of her pals went to different boarding schools and are still recovering.

“I want to be there to let them know that I care. And that I hope their hearts and souls can heal,” Bains-Jordan said.