Wrangell Sentinel -

After two years of construction, the new $3.1 million Metlakatla Veterans Cemetery officially opened on July 25. A pair of seven-foot-tall totem poles carved by David Boxely were dedicated to the cemetery at the event. Both totem poles represent traditional Tsimshian warriors.

The Fourth Generation Dancers, a Metlakatla dancing group, performed a warrior’s song during the totem pole unveiling ceremony.

“It’s so important to recognize our Native American, Native Alaskans who have served our nation and the families that have sacrificed,” U.S. Undersecretary for Memorial Affairs Matthe...