A familiar sight at the corner of Belleville and Government streets for almost 60 years is preparing for its final journey home.
The Kwakiutl Bear Totem pole, carved by prominent Kwakwaka’wakw artist Henry Hunt in 1966, has watched over Victoria’s Inner Harbour since Canada’s centennial.
After nearly six decades in the coastal elements, the tall cedar pole will soon be respectfully returned to Fort Rupert, where it will rest on the Hunt family’s property.
The pole, commissioned for British Columbia’s centennial celebrations, was one of 19 totems created for a project called the Route of the Totems.
Each pole was placed in a key location across the province to celebrate the union of Vancouver Island and mainland BC.
Over the years, the bear pole has become a well-known landmark for both visitors and locals. It had repairs and repainting in 2014, but natural wear and tear has continued.
This serves as a reminder that totem poles are living works of art with a natural lifespan of about 50 years. Due to its location on a busy downtown sidewalk, it will be transported home instead of left to return to the earth where it stands.
“It’s amazing to think about how many people from around the world have learned about First Nations art and culture through this totem pole,” said Hunt’s son, carver Stan Hunt. “We are grateful that the pole has been hosted on lək̓ʷəŋən territory for so many years.”
Judith Ethier, acting CEO of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, said the organization is honoured to be part of the pole’s return. “This totem pole has been an important part of the waterfront for decades and has been enjoyed by countless visitors and residents,” she said.
In its place, a new cedar planter filled with Indigenous plants will be installed. GVHA will work with the Songhees Nation and xʷsepsəm Nation to create new lək̓ʷəŋən artwork as part of an ongoing placemaking effort.
The pole’s removal will follow cultural protocol and will happen with the guidance of the Hunt family and local Nations. This action will close an important chapter in Victoria’s history. It began nearly six decades ago with a single cedar log and a carver’s vision.
