Residents of the Smithers area came together today to witness the raising of a new totem pole in honour of truth and reconciliation.
Known as the Reconciliation Pole, its rising seeks to help Wet’suwet’en members once forcibly removed from the land begin to heal.
It now stands in front of the Walnut Park Elementary School, land which once hosted the thriving community known as “Indian Town”.
But, the Wet’suwet’en members who had called the land home were later evicted by colonizers and forced to watch their homes burn.
Designed by Hereditary Chief Dinï ze’ T’sek’ot, also known as Ron Austin, and carved by Gitxsan artist Dan Yunkws, the pole marks the beginning of a long healing journey.
A memorial walk to escort the pole to its new home began at the Bulkley Valley Museum at 10:00 this morning and an all-clans feast will follow the ceremony.
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