Totem poles in the cemetery of the First Nations Kwakwaka'wakw people in Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada, North America

totem poles kwakwaka'wakw first nations alert bay british columbia cemetery indigenous culture native art cultural heritage carvings wooden sculptures pacific northwest canada spiritual symbols tribal art historical significance indigenous peoples forest background vibrant colors cultural traditions memorial art craftsmanship community wildlife indigenous history regional art natural surroundings ecological art ceremonial storytelling cultural identity native heritage sculptural art spiritual connection indigenous symbols pacific culture ancestral art indigenous storytelling coastal culture tribal heritage community memorials artisan skills cultural representation vibrant designs northwest coast cultural preservation indigenous beliefs sacred space ritual art craft