Founded in 1976, the Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan, Alaska is dedicated to preserving the traditional arts and culture of Northwest Coast Native peoples. The Center houses the largest collection of 19th-century totem poles in the U.S. and serves as a cultural center for the Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian Native peoples. In its Native Arts Studies Program, many world-renown Northwest Coast artists have taken and/or taught classes at the Center.

The Grand Circle Foundation contributed $75,000 toward the creation of a commemorative pole called “Honoring Those Who Give,” which recognizes the important collaboration between the three Alaskan Native peoples, organizations, and government entities that helped make the Center a leader in preserving traditions of the Native arts. The striking 30-foot red cedar pole was raised in August 1999 at a traditional Potlach ceremony in Ketchikan. May the Totem Heritage Center continue to share this cultural knowledge, bringing to life ancient Native legends and symbols through carving for generations to come.