Raising the Totem Poles

Finally, the crow stands majestic with the wolf on its other side.

After many speeches, dances and drums, the poles were lifted to their resting place. As they were lifted the drums increased in intensity and you could feel the adrenaline racing to the drum beats throughout your body. This is the Wolf being raised.

The Carcross/Skagway Highway was closed off to let the procession through. (It was funny to see the Harley Davidson motorcyclists in their leather garb pulled off to the side of the road to let the dancers and poles through)
Here are the volunteers carrying one of the poles down the street to its new home.


The totem poles - one crow, one wolf - were raised in a large and colourful ceremony. The poles were carried along the street amidst dancers and drummers. It began with a prayer and request for volunteers to carry the two heavy poles.