 |
|
|
ABORIGINAL CELEBRATION MARKS HISTORIC
REPATRIATION |
|
VANCOUVER – A ceremony to celebrate the return of a Haisla Nation totem pole on the 10th anniversary of National Aboriginal Day recognizes the enduring strength and resurgence of Aboriginal culture in British Columbia, Premier Gordon Campbell said today.
“I congratulate the Haisla Nation for their steady and patient perseverance in bringing about the repatriation of this culturally significant totem pole,” said Campbell. “I can think of no better way to celebrate National Aboriginal Day than to welcome the return of this important part of the Haisla heritage. Originally carved to commemorate rebirth following tragic loss, the pole’s return to B.C. symbolizes the importance of reconciliation with First Nations and the renaissance of Aboriginal culture in our province.”
Chief G’psgolox erected the totem in a Haisla village in 1876, after a smallpox epidemic decimated the Kitlope people, as the Haisla were then known. The pole’s carvings feature three figures from Haisla stories: Tsooda, Asoalget and a mythical grizzly bear. In 1929, the pole was removed from the traditional territory of the Haisla and transported to Sweden.
“This repatriation of a pole from overseas is a first – it’s historic,” said Gerald Amos, chair of the Haisla totem pole repatriation committee. “Our children will be able to touch something their ancestors carved and that is very important for the Haisla people.”
Over the last 15 years, the Haisla Nation made a tremendous commitment to their community to see the repatriation succeed. They sent a delegation to Sweden to negotiate with the Museum of Ethnography in Stockholm, resulting in the return of the historic pole to British Columbia. As part of the repatriation process, the Haisla carved a replacement pole for the museum.
“We celebrate the return of the G’psgolox totem pole to the Haisla Nation,” said Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit. “The taking of cultural property, and in some cases destruction, from historic and spiritual sites is never acceptable. Therefore the return of the G’psgolox pole marks a very significant step in the reconciliation process with First Nations people.”
The nine-metre, 1,500 kilogram totem of red cedar wood is set to arrive back on Haisla territory on Canada Day at Kitamaat Village.
“Today is a demonstration of our continued path towards reconciliation,” said Regional Chief Shawn Atleo of the BC Assembly of First Nations. “We are building new relationships based on respect and recognition. The return of cultural property is integral to maintaining and passing on our culture, teachings and languages, and to reclaiming our identities. The Haisla’s long-standing efforts are important steps to creating an optimistic future for everyone.”
The original totem pole will be housed temporarily at City Centre Mall in Kitimat until a new cultural centre is built. In 2000, Haisla Nation members raised a replica pole at the village of Misk’usa, the totem’s original site.
“The repatriation of the Haisla Nation totem pole serves as a symbol of the perseverance of the Haisla people,” said Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. “It further symbolizes the power and importance of reconciling our past with our present, so we may build a better future for all of our children.”
The Province is building a New Relationship with First Nations founded on the principles of mutual respect, recognition and reconciliation of Aboriginal rights. The goal is to ensure Aboriginal people share in the economic and social development of British Columbia, in line with government’s five great goals for a golden decade.
-30-
|
contact: |
Communications Director Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation 250 953-3211 250 213-3489 (cell) |
Haisla Nation 250 639-0326 |
|
|
||
|
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
||
