First Nation Artist Vows to Restore Damaged Totem Pole NOW

UPDATE: A devastating storm in Winnipeg has damaged a significant totem pole created by First Nation artist Charles Joseph, a survivor of Canada’s residential school system. Joseph, who dedicated months to carving this monumental piece, is determined to restore it, emphasizing its importance as a reminder of a painful chapter in Canadian history.

The 21-meter totem pole, erected in September 2022 at Assiniboine Park, was struck by lightning during severe weather on Wednesday night, resulting in a cracked section at the top. Joseph stated, “We built the pole to have people understand the truth of what happened in our dark past, and I’ll be certain to repair it.” He hopes the totem pole will endure for 1,000 years.

Joseph, hailing from the Kwakiutl First Nation, invested countless hours transforming a red cedar tree into this artistic expression, which narrates the experiences of residential school survivors. “You don’t see this kind of totem pole being made on an everyday basis; it was a massive production,” he noted during a conversation with CBC News.

The Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO), representing over 87,000 citizens across 32 First Nations in southern Manitoba, is collaborating with Joseph to assess the damage and the pole’s structural integrity. A spokesperson confirmed that the area surrounding the pole has been fenced off for safety as evaluations begin.

Joseph described the damage as “heartbreaking,” noting that this was the first time a totem pole he crafted has suffered such destruction from a storm. “I was shocked and surprised that lightning would hit it,” he said. The pole must now be lowered and stored for a thorough inspection and documentation of the damage.

Joseph is exploring options to either carve a new section to replace the damaged part or, if deeper internal damage is found, undertake a more extensive repair. “It’s important because of the story that belongs to this pole; it’s not just mine, it’s all of the residential survivors across Canada,” he expressed passionately.

The totem pole serves as a poignant symbol, with intricate carvings reflecting the experiences of children affected by the residential school system. It begins with a figure of a woman holding children, symbolizing the mothers who welcomed their kids back after school. A whale represents the children who never returned home, while a raven depicts the pain inflicted upon survivors by the system.

The SCO released a statement expressing their dismay over the damage: “It is heartbreaking that the pole was damaged by the storm. We are actively working with the artist and a structural engineer to determine the next steps.”

Looking ahead, the totem pole is expected to be relocated to the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn development project at the former Hudson’s Bay building in downtown Winnipeg. Joseph remains committed to ensuring that the important message of the pole endures. “I just want the truth to still be out there,” he concluded.

As this story develops, we will keep you updated on the restoration efforts and the totem pole’s future. Stay tuned for more on this urgent situation, as Joseph works tirelessly to preserve a vital piece of history.