This news release was originally shared on Kitimat.ca here.

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On Monday, September 30, in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a pole will be raised adjacent to Haisla Bridge marking a historic moment for local reconciliation.

In December 2023, the District of Kitimat with support of Haisla Nation announced the selection of Nathan Wilson to carve a pole to be installed at Haisla Bridge. This pole and its place next to the Kitimat River is aimed to reflect the history and culture of the x̄á’isla nation.

The pole will be raised on Monday, September 30, at 11:00 a.m., following a planned walk by residential school survivors at 10:00 a.m. from Dadook Avenue to the pole site. Shuttles will also be provided for the public to attend this event, details below.

This event coincides with other planned activities that weekend. A feast stew meal is being served at the x̄á’isla recreation centre on September 28 at 4:00 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring a bowl and utensils for this meal. The next day at the same location, from noon to 4:00 p.m., will be a collection of vendors and activities.

Following the pole raising on September 30, that evening at 5:00 p.m. there will be a Reconciliation Dinner hosted at the Riverlodge Recreation Centre and sponsored by LNG Canada.

These events are being hosted by the District of Kitimat, Haisla Nation, and Tamitik Status of Women.

In mid-December 2023, Nathan Wilson selected the tree that would provide the pole’s log. It was harvested in the forest just south of Kitamaat Village. This process was documented in this short video.

As described by Nathan, the figures in the pole, from top to bottom, are a trapper holding a marten- this was one of the most important fur bearing animals that was trapped and the pole is on a traditional waw̓áis. The next figures are a Grizzly bear holding a salmon and a diving eagle with a salmon in its talons. On the very bottom are the key stone species that have sustained the Haisla, the salmon and oolichan.

"This project was a very big step in my artistic career,” says Nathan Wilson. “It took five months to carve it, but I enjoyed it so that it didn't feel like I worked a day at all. It is a tremendous honour to do work for the community."

The installation of this pole is part of ongoing reconciliation efforts between the District and Haisla.

“The Haisla Bridge replacement has been such an important step for x̄á’isla representation in the community, both with its construction and the commitment to display Haisla art,” says Haisla elected Chief Councillor Crystal Smith. “It is very exciting to see this latest installation that will share important pieces of our Nation’s culture for the wider community.”

Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth applauds the work that has taken place to now.

“This pole is a result of the great work that has been done for the past number of years to strengthen the connection between the District of Kitimat and Haisla Nation,” says Germuth. “It is great to see the replacement of the bridge become something greater and more meaningful to our community.”

In March 2022, the District and Haisla began a two-year facilitated process, through a program called the Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI). This set the groundwork of continuing collaboration. The District and Haisla Nation have graduated from this program but continue to work together under the framework the program provided.

Other successes of this process include:

• Strengthened inter-governmental relationship through monthly Working Group meetings.
• Launch of an Indigenous Hiring Program at the District, and the creation of a new Indigenous Relations Manager position at the District.
• Haisla cultural programs run at the Riverlodge Recreation Centre.
• Creation and signing of a formal Friendship Agreement between the District and Haisla. Visit www.kitimat.ca/haisla to view this agreement.

The Haisla Bridge also includes panel art along its railings, with designs provided by Nathan Wilson and Paul Windsor.

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Shuttle information for Raising of Pole event

One shuttle will depart from the x̄á’isla recreation centre in Kitamaat Village, at 9:30 a.m., and will depart from the event site at 1:00 p.m.

A shuttle will run continuously as needed from the Riverlodge Recreation Centre from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.