Legacy totem pole to be first to tower over Gwaii Haanas in 130 years

HAIDA GWAII, B.C. – A totem pole detailing the history of the Gwaii Haanas region will rise above southern Haida Gwaii this week, making it the first monumental pole to be raised in the Gwaii Haanas area in 130 years.

The 13-metre pole was carved to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Gwaii Haanas Agreement, a document that allows the government of Canada and the Haida Nation to co-manage and protect the region.

The pole will be raised Thursday by about 200 people on Windy Bay in Lyell Island, where in 1985, the Haida Nation led a protest against logging in the area.

After that, the area was designated a heritage site, and the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve was created.

Field unit superintendent Ernie Gladstone says the pole carved from red cedar incorporates figures that detail the story of Gwaii Haanas from the beginning of time to the present.

The pole raising on Thursday will be followed by a celebration later in the week, including a feast, and dancing and singing.