Sealaska’s board of directors recently approved a $25,000 contribution in support of the creation of a totem pole that will serve as a monument and acknowledgement of the healing journey undertaken by women and children as they move from abusive family circumstances to healthier ones.

The totem is being carved by master carver Wayne Price of Haines, and will be erected at the Kaasei Totem Plaza near Juneau’s Twin Lakes and adjacent to the Kaasei Supportive Transitional Housing Project. The transitional housing facility is operated by Juneau’s AWARE (Aiding Women in Abuse and Rape Emergencies), and provides low-cost housing for women and children who are navigating the challenging path back to financial and emotional stability following an abusive relationship or sexual assault.

The totem plaza will also feature two painted screens with an eagle and raven in the Northwest Coast style. The installations of the screens and totem are designed to bring greater awareness to the healing journey associated with recovering from abuse. The totem pole tells the story of a mother, daughter and small child on their healing path as they overcome domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. AWARE, KTOO and the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska are the plaza’s primary sponsors.

The three partners are continuing to work toward a $200,000 fundraising goal for the plaza. It has already received major support from the Rasmuson Foundation and the City and Borough of Juneau. Donations are being accepted online at a variety of levels, starting at a suggested $50.

Sealaska focuses its charitable giving on causes and issues that provide a direct benefit to shareholders and communities and that are driven by community priorities.

Sealaska’s contribution will make a lasting contribution to the safety and wellness of Juneau’s families,” said Mandy Cole, AWARE executive director.

The story of family trauma that led to the totem pole’s creation is far too common in our community,” said Cole. “We all know victims and survivors and Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women; we are all impacted by interpersonal violence”.

About Kaasei Totem Plaza Campaign
To learn more about this project and to donate to AWARE’s fundraising efforts, please visit www.awareak.org. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Mandy Cole by phone at 907-586-6623 or by email at mandyoc@awareak.org.