Chief Johnson Totem Pole

The Chief Johnson totem pole tells the story of Fog Woman and her role in the annual return of salmon. Carved in 1989 by Israel Shotridge, it is a replica of a memorial pole erected in 1902 for the Gaanax.ádi Tlingit of the Taant'a Kwáan (Tongass). The original memorial pole stood until 1982 and can be seen inside the Totem Heritage Center. Its figures are not meant to be read like a book, because Tlingit tribal histories were passed on orally and through art that is not always easily interpreted; while many figures are easily identifiable, its full meaning can only be understood when its story is also told. The story of Fog Woman explains why salmon return every year to Ketchikan Creek and other waterways throughout Southeast Alaska.

Saxman, Alaska · United States