Totem Carving Inside Prison Walls

Inside Cedar Creek Corrections Center, incarcerated artist Albert Smith is revolutionizing prison life by teaching traditional totem pole carving — the first of its kind in a U.S. correctional facility. For nearly 50 years, Smith has turned wood into spiritual legacy, now guiding other Indigenous men to reconnect with their culture through art. Spearheaded by nonprofit Unkitawa, the program offers healing, pride, and purpose — culminating in a ceremonial awakening of a newly carved pole with wings painted by a fellow inmate. As this powerful model spreads across Washington, the urgent need is finding more passionate mentors to carry the tradition forward. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c023b01341f0f951