A totem pole stolen from the Central Coast over a century ago begins its long journey home today.
Originally carved by Louie Snuxyaltwa in the 1800s, the pole was stolen from the Nuxalk village of Talleomy in the early 1900s.
It was then sold to the Royal BC Museum in 1912, where it remains to this day.
Nuxalk Hereditary Chiefs discovered the pole on display in the museum during a visit in 2019, and attained a verbal agreement to return it.
But, when that agreement was not fulfilled, Chief Deric Snow, the great-grandson of the original carver, filed a lawsuit to have it returned.
Last month, however, the museum announced plans to satisfy its original agreement and ship the pole back home.
Members of the Nation were on hand to kick off a two day ceremony today, before the pole hits the road.
It is expected to arrive in Bella Coola in about a week, weather and road conditions permitting.
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