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 cemetery first nations indigenous culture carvings heritage north america art mythology traditions emblems storytelling spirituality native art wooden sculptures ancestral history craftsmanship landscape symbolism community significance wildlife cultural identity local customs native heritage respect preservation tourism exploration diverse cultures natural beauty indigenous peoples vibrant colors traditional practices folklore memorial gathering place family ancestors nature cultural preservation heritage site identity expression sacred sites wooden art indigenous carvings