The District of Kitimat, with support from Haisla Nation Council, has selected Haisla artist Nathan Wilson to carve a totem pole which will overlook the new Haisla Bridge.
This totem pole will stand at the southeast end of the bridge, on waw̓áis (pronounced wah-wehs) held by Chris Wilson, across the road from the Kitimat Rod & Gun building. It is anticipated to be completed and installed the Summer of 2024. A waw̓áis is, in essence, a Haisla land management system, used to describe an area of land possessed by a Clan and individuals within the Clan, where resources are gathered. This waw̓áis is called semgás, or zeḡʷís.
As the Haisla Nation advances efforts on culture and language, the District of Kitimat looks to follow proper protocols. Involvement and participation of the waw̓áis land holder when working with the land they are holding is one such way the District has taken guidance in this process. This practice is a way to honour and show respect to waw̓áis land holders, and aligns with Haisla traditions and values.
Wilson explains that in Haisla, names are passed down through families and among the responsibilities of holding a name is to care for certain lands.
“The holder of the name would have known – with the help from family – what resources were within the waw̓áis,” says Wilson. “And the holder was also responsible for the continued care of the resources.”
Nathan Wilson says he drew from the natural environment and from history to inspire the art for the pole.
"The concept for this pole comes from experiences and the history of the Kitamaat River,” says Wilson. “The figures I have chosen will include a trapper at the top, holding a marten. The site for the pole is situated on a trapline (waw̓áis) and we wanted to honor and represent that.”
Other images incorporated into his design include a seagull and a bear shown chasing a salmon. Oolichan will be painted at the bottom “to show the importance of their return for the Haisla People.”
Wilson was also one of the two Haisla artists who had been selected to design the panels that run along the Haisla Bridge railing.
Proper, impactful acknowledgement of the Haisla Nation has been an important consideration in the construction of the new Haisla Bridge. The totem pole will stand along a walking path connecting the Haisla Bridge to Kitimat’s walkway network, giving residents an ability to enjoy both the pole and admire the art panels on the bridge’s pedestrian crossing.
The District is working with the artist, waw̓áis owner, and Haisla Nation Council’s Culture & Language department to build a place that grows local understanding and properly reflects Haisla’s history and place on the land.
“I am so happy to see the relationship grow and strengthen between the District of Kitimat and Haisla Nation, and seeing more representation of our Nation through projects like this,” says Haisla Nation elected Chief Councillor Crystal Smith. “I look forward to seeing this pole stand for the whole community to see.”
Mayor Phil Germuth also calls the totem pole a welcome piece of local art and culture.
“The Haisla Bridge replacement project has become more than a construction project but a way to build connections in the community,” says Germuth. “I’m excited to see how this new pole will enhance our community and become a place of learning and understanding for the public.”
The District of Kitimat extends its appreciation for all submissions of art for this project during the Request for Submissions phase.
Chris Wilson and Nathan Wilson stand at the future site of a totem pole at Haisla Bridge.
Day One – Searching for the right tree [VIDEO]
We are excited to document the work to realize the installation of a totem pole at Haisla Bridge. Enjoy this short video following Nathan Wilson in selecting a tree for this project.
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