 David Boxley is a Native American artist from the Simchian tribe in Alaska. He is a dancer, songwriter and woodcarver. He also is an ambassador for Simchian culture. We call it art now, but it was a way for people to say this is who I am, this belongs to me, this is my clan, or this is my crest, this is my family history, carved and painted on wood. Mr. Boxley says Christian missionaries were a strong influence in his community while he was growing up. As a result, he learned little about his Native culture. While working as a teacher, he began researching the history of his people. In 1986, he left teaching so that he could spend time woodworking and telling others about Simchian culture. As I came along at the right time, our people really needed a shot in the arm for our culture. It wasn't very prominent after all that missionary influence in years and years of not having anyone be in that kind of position to guide. Almost 30 years later, he completed his 70th totem pole. It is now part of the permanent collection at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. We don't use sandpaper, so we use the knives and the chisels to get it as smooth as possible, get the lines clean. This totem pole started as a 7 meter long piece of red cedar. Mr. Boxley began carving at months ago at his home in Washington State. This one is going to be seen by millions over the next 100 years or whatever. It's not just me and my son. It's all of my people that are proud, my tribe. On the day when the totem pole officially became part of the museum, Mr. Boxley's family and friends performed for a crowd. Then the pole was shown for the first time. Thanks to David Boxley, the museum is able to show a fine example of Simchian culture to its visitors. I'm Kelly Knuxall.