Historic pole returns at Stellat’en

The Ministry of Highways took down the original pole in the early 1960s. The community is looking into why it was removed, including old letters about compensation.

Michell said community members have talked about putting the pole back up for decades.

“The community is coming together to see it raised again,” Michell said. “We’ve talked about this for many decades, and now we finally have the chance to do it.”

Michell said raising the pole is a joyful moment for Stellat’en. He explained that residential schools and other events caused the community to lose once-strong connections.

The community chose not to invite those who took part in the original removal. Michell said this allowed Stellat’en to handle the moment on their own.

“It gives us a chance to heal, move forward, and take pride in what is happening today,” he said.

The community says Stellat’en people have not traditionally made totem poles. The event did not try to follow the traditional protocols of West Coast Indigenous nations. Instead, it recognized a historical wrong and the impact of the pole’s removal.

Carver Bob Morgan made the new pole from solid fir found on traditional Stellat’en lands. He said it took about 20 hours to find the right log. The finished pole is about 31 feet tall at the tips of its feathers.

Morgan said carving the pole took about 130 hours. He tried to keep the original design but added details the community approved.

Morgan said he felt honoured to do the work throughout the project.

“I’ve been very honoured and humbled to be the one allowed to put this up,” he said.

The community’s response made this project different from any of his past work.

“This has been the best one yet,” Morgan said. “Seeing the whole community smile, and having so many people thank me, meant a lot.”

The raising was also personal for Stellat’en member Peter Luggi. His father, George Seymour, helped Paul Charlie carve the original pole.

Luggi remembered the original pole as a place where the community gathered. Elders would sit on a bench nearby to visit. Residents waited there for buses and trains, and travellers on Highway 16 would stop to take photos.

Luggi said seeing the new pole go up brought that history back to life. He also saw an eagle in a tree during the ceremony.

“It almost feels like the elders have come back to watch over us,” Luggi said.

The community says the pole will help future generations learn what happened, remember those connected to it, and understand why its return is important.

by Dave Branco

Historic pole returns at Stellat’en

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