Willard Jackson, who introduces himself as the oldest Teiḵweidí Brown Bear of the Tongass Tribe, was one of a few speakers who came back to the podium twice. He led a song, for which he brought two of his tribal members up to join. Many others sang along from the audience.
Leaders from Ketchikan’s Indigenous communities spoke passionately against inauthentic totem poles at the May 16 City Council meeting. They were united in opposition to the raising of the poles on a prominent downtown property.
The contested poles are planned to adorn several kiosk shops at the base of a hill in a busy area with high tourist traffic. Jackson’s message, like that of many of the 15 residents who spoke out against the poles, centered on respect, and the lack of it being shown by bringing imitation poles into a region with a rich history of totem carving.
Renowned master carver Nathan Jackson said that true totem poles are an extension of their heritage.
“They represent the clan, they represent us as Native people,” Jackson said. “I think our people deserve more than just those little sticks that were going to be put up.”
Tom Guthrie went a step further, saying that the city should have consulted with the area’s three tribal nations before approving the property owner’s building plans.
“Who gave him permission? Who gave him permits? Did you ask Tsimshians, Haidas, and Tlingits for this? You come to us and ask,” said Guthrie. “You don’t just put it up because you have a permit. We don’t do it that way. There’s protocol we follow.”
Saxman Village President Joe Williams said he strongly objected to the poles.
“And I really implore you to please, do not allow this to be raised,” Williams said. “What a shameful thing. If it’s raised, shame on you, because you are our brothers. You live here with us. We live here with you.”
Williams also encouraged the property owner, Joseph Machini, to visit the surrounding Native communities, as a good first step in the right direction. He then led the Council in a brief Lingít vocabulary lesson before returning to his seat.
“Gunalchéesh,” which means “thank you,” Williams explained.
The Council also received a formal letter from Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) President Rosita Worl, expressing her opposition to inauthentic Alaska Native art.
Several speakers, including Williams, thanked Vice-Mayor Janalee Gage for bringing the issue to light at the last meeting. Gage again explained her position on the cultural and economic consequences of allowing appropriated art to go unchecked.
The rest of the Council was in general agreement.
Member Jai Mahtani said as a longtime businessman, he doesn’t want his rights infringed upon, but when culture is being abused, something needs to be done.
“I respect private property rights, but we’ve got to find a way to make these poles go away,” Mahtani said.
City staff had put together a draft resolution, which essentially encouraged local businesses to use authentic Native art. Worl, in her letter, suggested they use stronger and more specific language.
The Council resolved to have Gage meet with Native community leaders to draft a resolution with more “teeth,” and then make sure it passes legal muster. City Attorney Mitch Seaver told the Council he understood the weight of the issue.
“I’ve never heard anything more heartfelt, logical, cogent, meaningful, on an issue that’s come before you guys in a long, long time,” Seaver said.
But Seaver said their legal authority to regulate private property is limited, and the First Amendment’s protection of free expression is robust. In a written memo to staff, he said any attempt to pursue regulation of misappropriated art on private property would require “navigating a number of potential legal land mines which may or may not be successful.”
Seaver said the greater power may lie with the community members speaking out against the imitation poles. He said harnessing that may be the city’s best chance at keeping them from going up.
Editor Note: Jai Mahtani is a member of KRBD’s Board of Directors, which is not involved in the newsroom.
Michael Fanelli is the News Director at KRBD. He can be reached at michael@krbd.org.
