Wooch Jin Dul Shat Kooteeya "Holding Hands"

"Mother Earth" overlooks the setting sun over Sitka Sound.

NPS Photo/ Cinnamon Dockham

Quick Facts

Amenities

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Wheelchair Accessible

Also known as the “Centennial Pole”, this pole was commissioned by the park to commemorate its 100^th anniversary. It was designed by Tlingit Master Carver Tommy Joseph and raised by the community in 2011. His design brings together key pieces of the park’s history and includes colors and figures not found in poles of a more traditional nature.
This might be categorized as a contemporary “history pole.”

• At the very bottom of this pole sits a replica of Merrill Rock in remembrance of E. W. Merrill, the local photographer who served as the first custodian of the park. It has a round blue-green engraving of Merrill’s profile and a camera.
• Above that are figures that symbolize the natural resources that play an integral role in the lives of all who have inhabited this place.
• The figure of a female face with very ornate red and black designs within the eyes represents Mother Nature while the figures of salmon draped over her shoulders and the green and yellow leaves above her acknowledge the importance of the sea, river, and forest.
• Next, between the two columns of green devil’s club leaves sits a replica of one of the original Yaadaas Crest poles brought to the park.  Preserving these poles, traditional culture, and way of life that they memorialize has been part of the park’s purpose since its beginnings.
• Above this are this are the circular Orthodox calendar and square possession plaque representing the addition of Russian American history to the park’s focus in 1972.
• The next figure up is a brown bison, which serves to acknowledge the National Park Service and its role in preserving the natural and cultural resources of the park. The yellow and black Chilkat robe worn on its left side is a reminder of the park’s 42-year partnership with the Alaska Indian Cultural Center.
• At the very top, black Raven and red Eagle at the top represent the two moieties of the Tlingit people, the first inhabitants and caretakers of this land. The Tlingit name of the pole comes from the interlocking talons position of these figures.