THE TOTEM POLE STICK BELONGING TO THE NUXALK NATION WAS TAKEN AND SOLD TO A MUSEUM. FINALLY, AFTER 110 YEARS, THEY HAVE IT BACK

For the Nuxalk Nation, the totem pole is a symbol of their cultural identity and heritage. It is a sacred object that represents the stories and beliefs of their ancestors, passed down from generation to generation. So when one of their totem poles was stolen and sold to a museum, it was a devastating loss for the community. But after 110 years of waiting, the totem pole has finally been returned to its rightful owners, marking a historic moment for the Nuxalk Nation.

THE THEFT OF THE TOTEM POLE

The totem pole in question was originally located in the Nuxalk Nation community of Bella Coola, in the Canadian province of British Columbia. It was carved in the late 1800s by a renowned Nuxalk artist, and it stood as a symbol of the community’s history and culture. But in 1928, the totem pole was removed from its rightful place without the consent of the Nuxalk Nation, and it was taken to the Netherlands.

Once in the Netherlands, the totem pole was sold to a museum, where it remained for many years. For the Nuxalk Nation, the loss of the totem pole was a painful reminder of the injustices that Indigenous peoples have faced at the hands of colonialism and cultural exploitation. But the community never gave up hope that one day, they would be able to reclaim their sacred object.

THE JOURNEY TO RECLAMATION

In recent years, the Nuxalk Nation has been working tirelessly to have the totem pole returned to its rightful place. It has been a long and difficult process, with many challenges along the way. But the community remained steadfast in their pursuit of justice and cultural reclamation.

In 2019, the Nuxalk Nation sent a delegation to the Netherlands to negotiate the return of it. They were successful in their efforts, and the museum agreed to return the totem pole to its rightful owners. However, the process of repatriation was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was not until 2021 that the totem pole was finally returned to the Nuxalk Nation.

THE RETURN OF THE TOTEM POLE

The return of the totem pole was a momentous occasion for the Nuxalk Nation. On February 12, 2021, a ceremony was held to mark the occasion, which was attended by members of the Nuxalk Nation and representatives of the Canadian government. The totem pole was formally returned to the community, and it was met with great joy and celebration.

For the Nuxalk Nation, the return of the totem pole was not just a victory in the struggle for cultural reclamation, but also a powerful symbol of hope for future generations. It represented a new chapter in the community’s history, one that is grounded in their cultural identity and the resilience of their people.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL RECLAMATION

The repatriation of cultural objects is an important step in the process of reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and the government. It is a recognition of the harm that has been done to Indigenous communities and a commitment to making things right. But it is only the first step.

Cultural reclamation is an ongoing process that involves more than just the return of cultural objects. It also requires the revitalization of Indigenous languages, the restoration of traditional practices and knowledge, and the recognition of Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination.

For the Nuxalk Nation, the return of their totem pole is a powerful symbol of their cultural resilience and strength. But it is also a reminder of the ongoing struggle to reclaim their cultural heritage and identity and to heal from the intergenerational trauma caused by colonization and cultural suppression.

The repatriation of cultural objects is an important part of this healing process, but it is just one piece of a larger puzzle. It is up to all of us to work together to support the ongoing efforts of Indigenous communities to reclaim their cultural heritage and identity and to create a more just and equitable society for all.

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