What started out as 42-ft long cedar log has been transformed into a beautiful piece of art.
A 26.5-ft totem now stands tall outside the Victoria Native Friendship Centre. It was raised by the public with the experienced guidance of the pole’s carver Moy Sutherland Jr. on March 24.
It’s a Nuu-chah-nulth pole, now named Qweesh-hicheelth, which means “in the midst of transformation”.
About 600 people showed up to support carver Moy Sutherland Jr. and the youth who assisted in carving the pole to raise the pole at the entrance way to the friendship centre.
The day started with an opening prayer delivered by the Coast Salish, on whose traditional territory the pole now stands.
Victoria Native Friendship Centre executive director Bruce Parisian provided opening remarks, sharing his thoughts on the youth empowerment project through which the young people assisted Sutherland. He spoke of how his dream of having a Nuu-chah-nulth pole at the centre had finally coming to fruition.
“I thought the day would never come.”
It took several years to secure funding for the pole. He shared his appreciation for Sutherland and the youth that participated.
As the afternoon pole raising proceeded, more than 200 youth attended from the Gathering our Voices Youth Conferences in Victoria to help the pole into its permanent position.
A long line was formed as instructions were given by Sutherland. It took about nine minutes from start to finish as the pole was raised by ropes and a pulley-system with hundreds of people working in unison.
The Sutherland family blessed the pole with a family song as the pole was slowly raised into place. There was an atmosphere of pride and anticipation.
The festivities carried on inside the centre, with a traditional lunch of muwač (deer) stew and bannock. Each of the six participants that worked with Sutherland over a five-month period received Nuu-chah-nulth names, and each called two witnesses to remember their big day.
They were presented with blankets, gifts and a special cake. The young carvers are Travis Peal , Dawson Peel, Jordan Gallic, Joslyn Williams, Tyssis Fontaine, and Tejas Collison.
One of the carvers, Jordan Gallic, is the grandson of Sutherland's teacher, late Art Thompson. Sutherland was Thompson's apprentice and felt it was important to give back what his teacher taught him.
In concluding the day’s celebrations, the Sutherland family shared more of their family dances and songs.
Wally Samuel (Ahousaht) and his wife Donna presented Sutherland with their family’s song and shared a few words about family connections and how pleased he was of Sutherland’s work.
