The totem pole standing in front of the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) building at 1975 Field Road has been given a facelift to help mark the SCRD’s 50th anniversary.
The 25-foot pole was erected in 2008 in recognition of the joint management agreement between the shíshálh Nation and the SCRD for the Chapman Creek and Gray Creek watersheds, which provide the Sunshine Coast with most of its water supply.
Carved by shíshálh master carver Anthony Paul, the pole is dedicated to Gilbert Joe, a relative of Paul’s wife, who was heavily involved in the environmental protection of the watershed.
The preservation work, which was completed June 24, included cleaning and the application of a fresh coat of green, yellow, black and red paint, highlighting the pole’s features.
“Each figure on the totem is symbolic of protection, strength, friendship and unity and our combined strength as a community,” the SCRD said in a release.
“At the base of the pole a grizzly bear protects the Sechelt Nation territory from a land point of view. The eagle above the grizzly bear protects the territory from the sky. Their combined power and strength watches over the territories.
“The human figure sitting at the top of the pole hanging on to the ears of the eagle is a watchman making sure that everything is right within the Sechelt Nation territory.
“The frog between the eagle and the grizzly represents friendship and unity, the unity that the Sechelt Nation has with the surrounding communities. The eagle’s wings are semi-wrapped around the frog, which protects the unity within the Sechelt Nation and the surrounding community.”
– Submitted
