On September 30th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a monumental totem pole was raised in Gitwangak, BC at the newly built Gwelx Yee’inist Wilp Siwilaksa’, Gitwangak’s new high school, to honour Indian Residential School Survivors.
This Xwts’an (pole) tells a story- it carries the weight of the past, and the traumas and pain endured in residential schools. But it also stands tall, as a symbol of resilience, strength, and the courage of Indigenous People to push forward
Carved by Arlene Ness, the imagery on the totem pole is powerful, Read about the symbolism in each section here.
It was a privilege for United Church Canada and PMRC representatives to be present at this historic ceremony. Through Church’s Bringing our Children Home Fund we were able to fund the purchase and the carving of this xwts’aan, and renew our deep commitment to Reconciliation.