When Mike Hoyt was a young boy, he was fascinated by tales of the generations of his family that preceded him.

As a child he listened with rapt attention as he was told stories about the status of his great-great-grandfather Thomas Ukas – a master carver – and how one of his carvings is standing proudly at the post office.

Next week, Hoyt will have a carving of his own standing next to the one made by Ukas.

“I’m really excited about that connection,” Hoyt said. “I think it adds some balance.”

The new pole is one of several that will be raised around town and then unveiled at public events July 18-20.

The pole already in place at the Wrangell post office is one that originally stood in front of some clan houses – near the current location of Alaska Marine Lines on Front Street – almost 200 years ago. That totem was moved to what was, at the time, the Army Fort Wrangel (then spelled with just one L). That fort would eventually become the site of the post office.

The location is where a Lingít man named Shx’atoo (Scutdoo), was hanged by the Army after the military bombarded the Native village in 1869. The penal action was taken after Shx’atoo was accused of killing officer Leon Smith to avenge the murder of his sons.

Rather than let the sentence be carried out and putting his blood on the hands of the Army, Shx’atoo leapt from the gallows so that he would be killed by his own actions, according to history retold at a ceremony for an official Army apology in Wrangell this past January.

The decision was significant because it was motivated by a desire to prevent any further violence between the Army and the Indigenous inhabitants of the island.

Through it all, the pole carved by Ukas stood.

More than just a relation

Hoyt’s Tlingit name, Aak’wtaatseen, is the same name as Ukas, and Hoyt’s grandmother often noticed similarities between the two men, so much so that she would often dress Hoyt in Ukas’ regalia for him to dance in.

“To know that he was a master carver and what he contributed to our people, and knowing that I am his namesake, makes this whole thing even more fulfilling,” Hoyt explained. “It adds more significance.”

Hoyt’s new carving was made specifically to commemorate the events that followed the U.S. Army bombardment of 1869. At the top of the carving sits a killer whale, which was the symbolic family crest of Shx’atoo’s clan.

Hoyt is one of five apprentices taken on for the Wrangell Cooperative Association project that started last year, helping to carve the reproduction of the Kadashan totem and other historic poles in Wrangell. He said stepping into the carver role has been a fulfilling experience for him.

“It’s just exciting to be a part of this and looking at what we have accomplished in a short time and looking at where we’re going in the future,” Hoyt said of his role at the cooperative association carving shed.

“It’s exciting to have these totem raisings coming up later in the month. And it’s exciting to plan ahead for more totems that will be started soon.”

Hoyt said he also feels a sense of fulfillment to be developing his skills as a carver while working next to his cousin, Tony Harding, just as their ancestors did so many years ago.

“Being a part of this history, and the family connection, all is very exciting,” Hoyt exclaimed. “There are almost no words for it. I would like to think that my great-great-grandfather is watching and that he would be proud of all that is happening.”