Northwest Community College “Education is Unity” Totem Pole

On November 12, 2004 at the main campus of the Northwest Community College in Terrace, observers, students, instructors and dignitaries witnessed a historic totem-pole raising by the Northwest Community College.

Following the pole raising, guests and participants were invited and treated to a wonderful feast at the Kitsumkalum Community Hall – House of Sim-oi-ghets. It is estimated more than 500 people gathered at the hall where they were welcomed by Hereditary Chiefs and Matriarchs of Kitsumkalum as well as by Stephanie Forsyth, President of the College. Stephanie was quick to point out the key involvement of the First Nations Council and many area leaders representing First Nations from Haida Gwaii to Telegraph Creek who are served by the NWCC.

As part of the feast ceremony, many civic officials and First Nation leaders from each of the surrounding Nations stood to express appreciation to the College and to the recognition shown this day in acknowledging the value and contribution First Nations play in the college and for its development effort.

The following text was copied on a beautiful artist proof of the Education is Unity Pole that was given to all in attendance as a souvenir of the pole raising and feast:

This contemporary totem pole was carved in recognition of the importance of the First Nations of the northwest, now and for future generations. Originally initiated as a pole to commemorate the 25-year anniversary of the College, the purpose and meaning of the project grew as we acknowledged the role and impact of post-secondary education in the lives of First Nations people in the Northwest. It symbolizes the UNITY that is felt by the Wet’suwet’en, Gitxsan, Haisla, Tahltan, Nisga’a, Tsimshian and Haida when it comes to meeting the educational needs of their people.

This is the first pole to be raised at the Northwest Community College in Terrace, and it represents the four crests common to the northwest coast First Nations people: Wolf, Killer whale, Raven and Eagle. The power of the pole is at the base, as it must hold the rest of the pole up. The wolf crest holding a copper shield imbedded with a robin holds this prestigious position. The Terrace campus of NWCC sits on the traditional territory of the Kitsumkalum wolf clan. This crest recognizes the power of the “People of the Robin” and the wolf phratry who have granted permission to erect this pole on their territories.

The “People of the Robin” supports the Killer whale with a grizzly bear blowhole which is a coastal Tsimshian crest. This is followed by the Raven with a Crow in the wing to acknowledge the Tahltan people. NWCC reaches out to the Charlottes and this is symbolized by the Haida Watchmen. The Watchmen are holding a rainbow and a paddle. The Rainbow is significant to the Nisga’a as it relates to a story of a flood and the Creator’s promise to the Nisga’a of a time of peace and plenty. The Paddle is a symbol relevant to the Gitxsan and it refers to guidance and direction that a helmsman gives to a canoe. This paddle recognizes the leadership of our Chiefs and the unity that comes when a team canoes as one. Sitting on the top is the mighty Eagle, messenger from the Creator, this crest is common to all as a symbol of strength and good news. In the ovoid is a beaver to represent a crest particular to the Wet’suwet’en and Haisla.

This pole reflects the seven First Nations that reside in the northwest and take part in the education of the College. It symbolizes those who attend the College and the College’s commitment to diversity and equality. It stands as a reminder that education is a goal that draws all nations together. It has taken a long time to come to completion and the efforts of all nations supporting it made it happen through a persistence of spirit that is symbolic of First Nations efforts to build a better tomorrow for the generations that follow.

Raised on November 12, 2004, this pole was carved by students of the First Nations Artist in Residence program at NWCC, under the guidance of Master Tsimshian carver Heber Reece of the Gispudwada clan, from the village of Kitselas.

NWCC Gratefully acknowledges the students, hereditary chiefs and First Nations Council members who participated in this project:

Students: Wilbur Abrahams, Troy Adams, Clifford Azak, John Bennett, Shawn Bennett, Shirley Bolton, Clyde Brown, Shaun Edwards, Robert Kelly, Sam Lockerby, Trevor Reece, Homer Robinson, Brent Stephens, Christopher Stewart, Pansy lee Watts, Charles Wesley, Sandra Wesley, John Wilson, and Mark Wilson.

NWCC First Nations Council: Chair Silimks (Irene Sequin), and the FNC Totem Pole Committee in addition to the members of the Council, which include the Education Administration from all the Villages of the Seven Nations, Friendship Centres in NWCC’s catchment area, NWCC President Stephanie Forsyth, and NWCC First Nations Advisors.

Kitsumkalum Hereditary Chiefs: Alex Bolton, Charles Henry Jr., Wayne Robinson Sr., Gerald Wesley, Edward Henry, Alfred Johnson, Joe Mulwain and Vera Dudaward.

Master Carvers
Murphy O. Stanley Sr.
Heber T. Reece

Carvers
Murphy H. Stanley Jr.
Robert E. Stanley
Henry G. Reece

First Nations Artist in Residence Program Carving Students
Darryl F. Wilson
Sandra E. Wesley
Shirley Bolton
Clifford R. Azak
Clyde R. Brown
Wilbur C. Abrahams
Trevor J. Reece
Brent W. Stephens
Charles R. Wesley