Viewpoints
Unity Pole in Kasaan
By Diane Gubatayao
September 21, 2007
Friday AM
Thanks to the contributors and editor Mary Kauffman for an outstanding
story on the raising of the Unity Pole in Kasaan. I am privileged
to work with Native Americans and American Indians here in California,
and they aren't as knowledgeable about Alaska Natives. I remember
the thrill of watching the raising of the Chief Johnson pole
in Ketchikan many years ago, and it is inspiring to see such
traditions still alive and thriving.
For me and many of my colleagues,
the Unity pole is symbolic of the rebirth of Native culture everywhere.
What a great blessing.
Diane Gubatayao
Davis, CA
About: "Former resident
hoping to return some day."
Received September 18, 2007
- Published September 21, 2007
Related Story:
UNITY POLE RAISING IN KASAAN By SUSAN BATHO & BILL HUPE - The
Alaskan weather and unpaved Prince of Wales roads did not deter
the large numbers of people who came to celebrate the raising
of the Kasaan Unity Pole outside the Barry C Stewart School in
Kasaan Village on Saturday, the 15th of the September. The IFA
ferries were completely booked in the days before with cars and
walk-ons as the celebrations began early with the meeting of
family and friends - new and old - coming to help celebrate the
first pole raising in the village in over 35 years. And long
after the last visitors' cars had moved off, the partying continued
in song and dance and food. - More...
Monday - September 17, 2007
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