As totem pole rises, so does talk of reconciliation and ritual – Globe and Mail

As totem pole rises, so does talk of reconciliation and ritual

TOM HAWTHORNSpecial to The Globe and MailPublished Sunday, Sep. 09 2012

After blessings from Esquimalt and Songhees elders, after the singing of an Indian Shaker prayer, after remarks from B.C. Lieutenant-Governor Steven Point and hereditary chief Tony Hunt, it was time at last to erect the totem pole.

Some 500 people gathered on the front lawn of Government House, the official residence of the QueenÂ’s representative in the province, to witness the raising of Hosaqami, a 7.3-metre-tall pole.

Elders and dignitaries held white ropes attached to block and tackle. At the end of one rope stood Mr. Point in his honorary captainÂ’s naval uniform. He looked out on children he had earlier invited to sit on the ground near the formal ceremony.

“Come on, kids,” he urged. “All you kids grab a hold of the rope.”

Read more: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/columnists/as-totem-pole-rises-so-does-talk-of-reconciliation-and-ritual/article4531246/read more