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Creation of Totem Poles- Early 1700's
Deducted from archaeological evidence, it has been found that the northern peoples of the West Coast were among the first to create Totem Poles- before the arrival of the Europeans. Totem poles held great significance to First Nations groups of western Canada, as they were sacred aspects of specific ceremonies/rituals, and considered to be important expressions of culture. They allowed for artists to express themselves through carving, and further embrace their culture (Gadacz, 2017). -
Introduction to New Tools and Materials- 1800's
After the arrival of the Europeans, First Nations were able to acquire new sculpting tools through trade in order to improve the building of totem poles. With this influence from the Europeans, First Nations were able to adjust how they create totem poles as new technology became available to them, resulting from social changes (Gadacz, 2017). -
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Impacts of the Indian Act
After having many cultural practices outlawed through the Indian Act in 1876, First Nations peoples were forced to give up parts of their cultural identity, including totem poles. Before the potlatch ban was lifted in 1951, totem poles were appropriated by Europeans- taking away from their traditional purposes and manipulating others views on First Nations. Despite these issues, totem poles received a renewed interest during the 50’s, and First Nations artists began carving again (Gadacz, 2017). -
Government Outlaws Potlatching
After the federal government banned potlatching (a traditional First Nation practice in which totem poles were often erected) it became very rare to see new poles being carved. Additionally, the majority of totem poles were moved by collectors from their original sites in order to be sold. By outlawing potlatching, the Canadian government forced First Nations groups to surrender a key aspect of their culture, which greatly impacted the transformation of this expression (Totem Poles, n.d.). -
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Following the Amendments of the Indian Act
Following the amendments to the Indian Act in 1951, First Nations people began reclaiming their totem poles and advocating for their traditional art. Totem poles became more recognized and valued throughout the 1950’s/1960’s; New totem poles began being commissioned for parks, museums and international exhibits (Gadacz, 2017). -
Potlatches Resuming
After working persistently to regain their social, political and spiritual rights, in the 1960’s First Nations peoples were finally able to raise totem poles during their potlatches once again (Huang, n.d.). -
21st Century Impacts
In more recent years, First Nations groups are still calling to have their cultural items returned, including totem poles, as many were displaced during the ban against potlatches and removed as a result of the Indian Act (Gadacz, 2017). Despite the fact that totem poles may have lost some of their value after being stolen and appropriated by Europeans, they still remain important examples of cultural expression in First Nations groups today.
