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

totem poles kwakwaka'wakw alert bay british columbia indigenous culture cemetery first nations carvings spirituality ancestral heritage coastal tribes pacific northwest traditional symbols cultural preservation historical site public art nature wooden sculptures folklore symbolic meaning craftsmanship indigenous peoples memorial indigenous identity art history canada north america indigenous traditions storytelling community heritage lineage artistry natural beauty cultural landmarks historical preservation deep roots local history eco tourism native heritage carving techniques tribal artistry cultural representation historical significance unique designs monument ancestral spirits indigenous rights local customs heritage tourism historical carvings