Weathering and natural decay have taken a toll on the Totem Village on the
grounds of the Museum of Anthropology, but the museum hopes to save these
cultural treasures by raising funds to repair and enhance them.
In 1993, the museum commissioned an engineering consultant and a wood scientist
to examine the two Haida houses and the 10 poles that make up the village.
They found signs of rot, insect infestation and decay, and said the structures
would likely not survive an earthquake.
Widely regarded as the finest collection of outdoor sculptures of its kind in
the world, the village features work by Northwest Coast First Nations artists
such as Bill Reid, Doug Cranmer, Norman Tait, Walter Harris, Jim Hart and the
late Mungo Martin.
More than a million visitors have seen the houses and poles since they were
installed in 1961.
Reid conceived the Totem Village as a gathering place for the celebration of
the achievements of First Nations people. Many ceremonies, carving workshops,
and public and educational programs have been held there. The village has also
been an inspiration to other First Nations artists.
A campaign to raise $600,000 to repair and enhance the village has begun with
a $125,000 gift from the Royal Bank.
The donation includes commissioning a welcome figure by Musqueam artist Susan
Point and a new frontal pole by Haida artist Don Yeomans. The new poles will be
erected in March 1997 as part of Royal Bank’s celebration of its 100th
anniversary in B.C.
Point is one of B.C.’s foremost First Nations artists and her work can be found
in private and corporate collections in more than 20 countries. Yeomans is a
prominent Haida artist who has worked with Reid on several projects including
the sculpture, The Spirit of Haida Gwaii.
The original frontal poles on the Haida houses were carved by Reid and are too
fragile to remain outdoors. They will be brought into the museum where they
will be on permanent display, adding to the museum’s comprehensive collection
of Reid art.
The village’s eight free-standing poles show the coast’s range of artistic
styles. To prevent further deterioration and damage from seismic shock each
will be treated and remounted.
The Haida houses will also be repaired. Their roof beams will be replaced by
beams pressure-treated to resist fungus and rot.
Improved landscaping, outdoor lighting and new paths will improve access,
particularly for persons with disabilities.
Matching funds from UBC’s President’s Fund will go to a new First Nations
Studies Endowment at UBC, to enhance the teaching of First Nations issues and
eventually enable students to pursue a degree major in First Nations Studies.
