Totems have always held great significance as powerful symbols of identity, lineage, history, as well as spiritual beliefs, particularly for Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. In keeping with this tradition a new totem designed by Nuu-chah-nulth carver and cultural leader Joshua Watts was unveiled at the Kaatza Station Museum at Saywell Park on Sept. 6, at 1 p.m.
"This project has been a long one with many ups and downs over the years," said museum manager and curator Nathaniel Andrews. "However, the end product is an amazing display of artistic talent, hard work, and cultural heritage, and we are happy to see it in its finished form. The totem pole, and gathering space as a whole represents the recent partnership between the Ts'uubaa-asatx First Nation and the Kaatza Historical Society and our shared connection with woodworking history throughout the Cowichan Lake area."
The totem project originally began in the fall of 2021, following a protocol agreement between the Ts'uubaa-asatx First Nation and the Kaatza Historical Society where the intent was to recognize and address shortcomings in the Kaatza Museum's representation of Indigenous history and policies regarding the treatment of materials belonging to First Nations. The plan was developed through the work of previous employee, Henry John, who worked alongside the Ts'uubaa-asatx First Nation to find funding for exterior and interior displays as part of a future Ts'uubaa-asatx First Nation exhibit. While there have been a few hiccups and delays to the project over the years, by 2024 it really took off, and is now complete and ready to be unveiled at the museum's outdoor gathering space, with further interior displays to follow at a later date.
Attending Saturday's event along with totem carver Joshua Watts was the Ts'uubaa-asatx First Nation, Kaatza Historical Society members and staff as well as representatives from Island Coastal Economic Trust who funded the project, and Cowichan Valley Regional District and Town of Lake Cowichan officials, and extended family members and guests.
Due to the limited capacity as well as insurance and refreshment purposes the public was not officially invited to attend the event, but anyone in the area may stop to see the project brought to fruition as it is unveiled for the whole community to appreciate, enjoy and learn from.
"I think the most important part of these types of events from a broader community perspective is the recognition and acknowledgement of First Nations history and culture within said community," said Andrews. "I would hope everyone takes this partnership and exhibit as evidence of that acknowledgement and sees it as a positive step towards reconciliation that will lead to more inclusion of the Ts'uubaa-asatx First Nation in matters of history and cultural significance."
