Haisla artist Nathan Wilson has been selected to carve a totem pole for the new Haisla Bridge.
Wilson, who also contributed to the panel design along the bridge’s railing, has drawn his inspiration for the pole’s design from both the natural environment and local history.
“The concept for this pole comes from experiences and the history of the Kitamaat River,” he explained. “The figures I have chosen will include a trapper at the top, holding a marten. The site for the pole is situated on a trap line (waw̓áis) and we wanted to honour and represent that.”
Other images in his design include a seagull and a bear chasing a salmon, with Oolichan painted at the bottom to signify their importance to the Haisla People.
The totem pole will be erected at the southeast end of the bridge, along a walking path connecting the Haisla Bridge to Kitimat’s walkway network. Its completion and installation are expected by the Summer of 2024. Wilson’s involvement in the project was announced by the District of Kitimat and the Haisla Nation Council on Jan 4.
Proper acknowledgement of the Haisla Nation has been an important consideration in the district’s construction of the new Haisla Bridge.
The pole’s location lies on a waw̓áis held by Chris Wilson. A waw̓áis is a Haisla land management system, describing an area of land possessed by a clan or its individual members, where resources are gathered. This particular waw̓áis is known as semgás, or zeḡʷís.
“The holder of the name would have known – with help from family – what resources were within the waw̓áis,” Nathan Wilson said. “And the holder was also responsible for the continued care of the resources.”
As the project moves forward, the district said it is striving to work with the artist, the waw̓áis owner, and Haisla Nation Council’s Culture and Language department to foster understanding of Haisla history, to which Haisla Nation elected Chief Councillor Crystal Smith expressed her appreciation.
“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,” she said. “I look forward to seeing this pole stand for the whole community to see.”
Mayor Phil Germuth echoed these sentiments, emphasising the significance of the totem pole. “The Haisla Bridge replacement project has become more than a construction project but a way to build connections in the community,” he said. “I’m excited to see how this new pole will enhance our community and become a place of learning and understanding for the public.”