Sitnews -Stories in the News - Ketchikan, Alaska

KIC Awarded $100,000 Totem Pole Grant By Rasmuson Foundation
Grant for three Totem Poles for clinic building

December 30, 2002
Monday 3:30 pm

According to information provided in a news release, in March, 2002, Ketchikan Indian Community (KIC) staff submitted a letter of inquiry for a grant to the Rasmuson Foundation for the funding of three Totem Poles which in the architectural design of the KIC clinic building, these Poles are depicted in the front of the building in the style of a traditional long house. The Pole foundations were installed during the construction of the clinic. This project will serve to preserve and interpret Ketchikan's unique cultural heritage by implementing an apprenticeship program and by accomplishing the goal of preserving the history in a manner traditional to the culture of the Tlingit, Tsimshian and Haida people. The project will also serve to teach tribal members and preserve cultural knowledge in the traditional techniques and skills of Totemic Art. According to the news release, the KIC Elder's Committee desired that the Totems be carved by indigenous Tlingit, Tsimshian and Haida carvers with the design representing health care and in the tradition of S.E. Alaska Natives, with each pole depicting a time-honored healer's image or Shaman.

In June, 2002, the Rasmuson Foundation responded that they were pleased to inform KIC that the Rasmuson Board of Directors was interested in further consideration and invited KIC to submit a "Tier 2" Proposal. On December 10, 2002 the Rasmuson Foundation informed KIC that the Ketchikan Indian Community had been awarded a $100,000 grant for three Totem Poles for the front of the clinic building. [2002 Tier 2 Awards]

In 1999, Sealaska donated the logs for the Totem Poles during their annual meeting held in Ketchikan. These logs will be used for the Totems that will stand in front of the clinic with the middle totem of 40-45 feet and the two end poles of 25-30 feet. Once the poles have been completed, they will be raised with a traditional Potlatch to celebrate.

Rasmuson Foundation Awards:

Rasmuson Foundation
Web Site

Source of News Release:

Ketchikan Indian Community
Web Site