Kitselas Community Events

Kitselas Canyon Park Ceremonies
"Honoring Our Anscestors"

August 4, 2008

Kitselas Canyon Tourism sponsored a Four-Pole Raising event on BC Day, August 4, 2008. The occasion of "Honoring Our Anscestors" was historical in that the four totem pole crests were represented in the ceremony. The four poles were the crests of Wolf (Laxgibuu), Eagle (Laxsgiik), Raven (Ganhada), Killerwhale (Gispudwaada).

It was a beautiful sunny day. The arrival of visitors and guests began around 11 a.m. Introductions got underway around 11:30, then after the speeches and presentations, everyone assembled at the Canyon for the raising of the totem poles. It was exciting to witness the Ceremony of the Poles. They appear as sentinels on guard duty of the Canyon. Beautiful!!

After the Carvers speeches and performance, all returned to the Longhouses for a time of fellowship and food.
(Photos by Morris Mason)


Special guests from near and far

3 Special guests


Welcome remarks by Web Bennett

Opening Prayer by Isabelle McKee


More welcome remarks by Glenn Bennett

Kitsumkalum Chief Clifford Bolton


Introduction of Band Counsellors

Presentation to special guest


Another presentation to special guest

Still another presentation to special guest


Kitselas Elder representatives

Kitsumkalum Dancers


The march to Kitselas Canyon

Drumming to the Ceremony


Enjoying the walk to Kitselas Canyon

View of the Observation Deck


Another view of the Observation Deck

Waiting for the Totem Poles


Moving the first Pole

Moving the next Pole


The Onlookers, Observers, Spectators, Witnessess

Raising the first Totem Pole


The next Totem Pole

Honored to help


The privilege of taking part

Placing the Pole down just right


Impressive and magnificient

Dancing around the 4 Poles


The Elders witness the event

Some of the Kitselas Elders


"Sentinels" of the Canyon

Another view of the "Sentinels"


They will be there for a long time

Come to Kitselas Canyon and see them


The "Tents of Food"

Barbequed Fish


Almost ready

Waiting for the potatoes and salad


The line-up to fulfillment

At Last