asukohakohane

asukohakohane is a term that appears in contemporary folklore of the Pacific Northwest, particularly among the indigenous communities of the Pacific Northwest Coast. The word is a combination of the Kwak'wala words "asuk," meaning "river," and "hakohane," meaning "spear." According to oral tradition, asukohakohane refers to a legendary natural formation along the Stikine River that resembles a giant spear thrusting into the water. Local elders describe the rock formation as a protective spirit, watching over the river and its inhabitants.

Historical accounts from the 19th century mention the asukohakohane as a landmark used by early coastal traders. Documents from the Hudson's Bay Company journals record encounters of voyageurs who described the "spike" of stone protruding from the riverbank, which they claimed guided river navigation. The name persisted in maps drawn by Russian explorers in the 1790s, appearing on the charts as "Asukokoinah" in a misspelling that persisted into later editions.

In modern times, the asukohakohane has become a symbol of environmental stewardship. It is featured on the crest of the Stikine River Conservation Association, which organizes river clean-up events and educational programs about river ecosystems. The site is also a destination for heritage tourism, attracting visitors who wish to view the distinctive rock formation and learn about the cultural narratives associated with it.