Much of Egmont's population, visitors from the surrounding area and many First Nations people turned out to the Egmont Heritage Centre last Saturday (Sept. 25) for a rare opportunity to see a totem raising.
Arnold Kwatamus Jones, master carver, has been working on the totem for two years along with his wife Sonja.
"Originally it was supposed to be a 15-foot pole," said Heritage Centre spokesperson Beverly Saunders. "But when we received the bigger log from the community forest, it seemed a shame to cut it up."
The 24-foot cedar log was donated through Kevin Davie of the Sechelt Com-munity Forest. Given more time, Kwatamus agreed to work on the larger log incorporating images from his own frog clan and other clans including a killer whale, a bear, a beaver and an eagle representing all the nations.
Cedar bark artist Jessica Casey introduced Calvin Craigan of the Sechelt Nation who spoke to the crowd about Kwatamus' work.
"A part of Arnie's soul is entwined in that log," he said, adding that just by looking at the symbolism he could foretell that it would be the artist's last totem.
While the wind whipped the tall trees surrounding the heritage centre, a group of drummers and singers accompanied it in song, and a tribal elder touched the totem in blessing. Many strong men and a few women hoisted the poles running underneath the finished totem and circled the courtyard four times bearing its weight. Kwatamus followed in ceremonial robe flanked by Allie and Bella Casey carrying the wingspan of the eagle to be applied later. Any member of the community who wished could then help carry the totem or walk in the parade along with many children bearing cedar boughs.
When the pole was placed on blocks at the site prior to hoisting, intricate adjustments took place to align a groove in its back with a steel post that would support it in the upright position. The actual hoisting was quick. Using three rope guides on three sides and one longer rope running up and over the heritage centre held by volunteers on the roof, everyone pulled at a signal while others, using implements, pushed. The totem rose and was quickly secured.
Kwatamus mounted a step to apply the whale fins and the group waited for help from the Egmont fire department to position the eagle's wings at a higher level. Most stayed for the celebratory salmon barbecue.
The totem can be viewed in front of the Heritage Centre, opposite the entrance to the Skookumchuck Trail. The centre houses a small museum of natural and native history with artifacts from its logging and fishing heritage along with a gift shop featuring local crafts and books. Call 604-883-9994 for winter hours.
