DiscoverTotems

Every summer, I load the kids (now teens) into a car or a boat or a float plane and set out to discover new totem pole sites in British Columbia. Aboriginal tourism in BC runs the gamut of Native village tours, white water rafting, guided kayak tours, self-guided maps of totem poles sites to hokey cigar store tourist sites selling trinkets made in China.

We're never at a loss for new places to visit. I'm starting to search out a route for a summer road trip that will take us from Vancouver (home base) to Prince Rupert to hit the maximum number of totem pole sites with the minimum amount of teenage boredom.

Definitely on our list this year is the Kispiox Village Walking Tours near New Hazelton, BC. These much-admired Kispiox totem poles stand near the junction of the Kispiox and Skeena rivers. (map).

Kispiox Totem Poles

There are approximately 25 totem poles. Some date as far back as 1880 and as recent as 1995. The much-admired Kispiox totem poles stand in the grass at the edge of the community where the Kispiox & Skeena rivers meet. Carved with Eagle, Raven, Frog, Killer Whale, Bear, Wolf, & Human figures, they commemorate the dead, signify ownership, & offer insight into the heritage of the local people. The characteristic figures on totem poles are symbols comparable to family crests. They illustrate historical events that occured in a House's past. If the historical event involved several houses, those Houses may share the crest.

The pole's owners display their crests on the pole to establish and make public their claims to vested rights and privileges. They varied with each family; they were exclusive property and were guarded. Each carved illustration on the poles serve a multiple purpose: besides commemorating the dead and showing ownership, they familiarize youths with their histories - keeping part of our heritage alive.

Source: http://www.kispioxadventures.com/english/tt/culture.htm