|
First
Nations Tour Operators: Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, Discovery
Islands
 Totem
poles are wonderful examples of aboriginal art - the ancient practice
of totem carving has been handed down through generations as a way
of preserving the history of local native heritage as well as honouring
tribal rituals and sacred spirits of people.
There
are many ways to experience the rich culture and native heritage
of British Columbia's most fascinating people. There are annual
powwows and a multitude of First Nations cultural journeys in every
corner of the province. The aboriginal peoples of B.C. have maintained
their diverse cultures by breathing life into ancient traditions
and customs and welcome all of us to experience it.
For your own explorations of some of the best totem poles and aboriginal
art on Vancouver Island follow this suggested trail.
Victoria:
The Royal BC Museum, located in
the inner harbour area of Victoria, has an extensive collection
of native exhibits and remarkable artifacts, including a ceremonial
Big House and a collection of some of the oldest totem poles and
greet figures (welcome poles) ever collected and preserved.
Thunderbird
Park, adjacent to the Royal BC Museum, displays a collection
of totem poles of the First Nations of coastal British Columbia.
In 1956, renowned Kwakwaka'wakw artist Mungo Martin and his team
raised the world's tallest free-standing totem pole - at 38.8 metre
(128 foot) located in Beacon Hill Park,
Victoria.
Duncan:
Native history and culture are apparent throughout Duncan, the "City
of Totems." A short stroll south from the museum, there are
41 intriguing totem poles to see on the self-guided walking tour
- just follow the yellow footprints on Duncan's sidewalks, which
provide a path through the sites - and the fascinating world of
totem poles.
The Quw'utsun'
Cultural and Conference Centre, in downtown Duncan, recreates
the history and traditions of the coastal people in its buildings,
displays and excellent presentations. Under the roof of a large
carving shed, totem poles take shape; visitors may view work in
progress.
Tofino:
The Eagle Aerie Gallery located in Tofino displays interior totem
poles and works of art by renowned artist Roy Vickers.
Campbell
River: The rich native heritage of Campbell River is proudly
displayed in the Campbell River Museum, which features a fine display
of contemporary native masks and ceremonial items.
Totem poles
can be viewed at various sites throughout Campbell River: Tyee Plaza
Shopping Centre, Foreshore Park, Coast Discovery Inn and Discovery
Harbour Centre.
 Quadra
Island: The Nuyumbalees Cultural Center (formerly Kwagiulth
Museum and Cultural Center) at Cape Mudge, on Quadra Island, displays
an impressive collection of masks, potlatch regalia and other ceremonial
objects associated with winter dances.
These are some of the items that have filtered back from private
collections over the years, after the Government of Canada first
outlawed the ceremony in the early part of the 20th century.
Alert
Bay: The U'mista Cultural Centre at Alert Bay, on Cormorant
Island, houses one of the finest collections of historical artifacts
and elaborately carved masks depicting the Potlatch Ceremony of
the Kwakwaka'wakw people.
The Dominion Government outlawed the ceremony of the Potlatch in
1884 and authorities began to seize ceremonial regalia, including
masks, rattles, robes and coppers. These ceremonies, which mark
important occasions such as births, marriages, deaths or the transfer
of names, were forced underground following this ruling. After more
than 65 years, the confiscated items were returned from museums
and private collections throughout North America.
Located on the
northern end of Cormorant Island, on the outskirts of the Nimpkish
Reserve at Alert Bay, stands the world's tallest totem pole at a
height of 52.7 metres (173 feet) - the totem is comprised of two
parts. Unlike most totem poles, which are specific to a particular
family, the thirteen figures depicted on this pole represent many
of the tribes of the Kwakwaka'wakw nation.
A collection
of memorial poles may be viewed from the roadway at the Namgis Burial
Grounds at Alert Bay.
Sechelt:
Twelve Coast Salish totems look out over Trail Bay, at Sechelt on
the Sunshine Coast. These totem poles recount the history of the
Sechelt Nation, the first band in Canada to achieve self-government.
First Nations
Tour Operators: Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, Discovery Islands
More Information: Totem
Poles in British Columbia
|
Web
Design by Sage
Internet Solutions.
