From 19th century steamers to 21st century cruise ships, summer visitors have engaged with the communities and people of the Northwest Coast. Contemporary Indigenous artists, like their ancestors, have transformed touristic curiosity into economic, educational, and cultural opportunities.

Dr. Megan Smetzer compares Juneau, Alaska’s Kootéeyaa Deiyí (Totem Pole Trail) and Vancouver’s Blanketing the City—to explore ways in which public art expresses Indigenous sovereignty.