The Totem
The totem pole, is perhaps the best known living symbol of Indigenous cultures in the world. But what does this symbolic structure actually represent ?
With the arrival of European settlers in the Pacific Northwest in the 19th century, Indigenous cultural practices were severely disrupted. Missionaries and government officials viewed totem poles as pagan symbols and sought to remove them as part of the assimilation policies. Many poles were stolen by settlers, the church, government and collectors who wanted to document the extinction of the Pacific Northwest culture and -the Potlatch.
Today however, totem pole carving and the Potlatch are a thriving practice. Indigenous carvers continue to create new poles for families and cultural institutions, blending traditional techniques with contemporary themes.
Learn more about Totem Poles
The Opportunity
The current World's Tallest Totem Pole, was created in the 1960's, and stands in the Great Bear Rainforest in the unceded territory of the 'Na̱mǥis people, one of 17 tribes that make up the Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw Nation. The pole has fallen into disrepair and has become a potential hazzard. We will soon be taking it down respectfully and safely.
We have begun work on a new totem pole. The pole with be 176 feet, 3 feet taller than the current version. It will also come with an incredible visitor experience as we welcome visitors to our territory.
The Project
Site Preparation
We are currently working in this phase, and have selected a site and an agreement to deliver the required old growth Cedar
Carving the Pole
In this first Phase more than 20 carvers and trainees will spend 2 years carving the pole, each of our 17 nations will each have 10 feet of the pole totalling 170 feet (tallest in the world). We will create a visitor's experience during this phase.
Totem Pole Experience Centre
We are building a next generation interactive multimedia viewing experience which presents the history, skill, and beauty, and traditions of totem poles and the Kwakwaka’wakw culture. This will become the largest tourist and cultural attraction in Northern Vancouver Island.
Interactive Cultural Centre
We are also building an interactive Cultural Centre which will serve both as a showcase for the Master Carvers of the West Coast and as a space to train artists from different disciplines.
.png)
Project Leader
Chief Udzistalis [Johnathan Henderson]
Born in 'Y'a̱lis (Alert Bay) the land of the ‘Nam’gis, Johnathan is a Ligwełdax hereditary Chief, within the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation and member of the Wei wai kum Clan, who has been carving for a living since 1994. As a child he remembers looking up at the World's Tallest Totem Pole with wonder.
Johnathan was formerly the Community Artist Liaison Manager at the U’mista Cultural Centre and is a professionally trained chef. He and his wife Laureen (Auda), are the proud parents of two children, and seven grandchildren.
Johnathan began over two years ago with the personal mission of talking to all 17 Kwakwaka’wakw Nations, carvers, hereditary and elected chiefs, elders and matriarchs so that can each all come together to be part of the pole and bring strength to his people as a whole.
