A rematriation ceremony is being held by the Nisga’a Nation tomorrow to celebrate the return of a totem pole stolen over a century ago.
Originally carved and erected in the 1960s, the Ni’isjoohl Memorial Pole is a house pole which was stolen from the Nation in 1929.
It tells the tale of the warrior Ts’wawit, who was next in line to become Chief before being killed during a conflict with a neighbouring nation.
Sometime after being stolen by colonial ehtnographer Marius Barbeau, the pole was sold to the National Museum of Scotland, where it had remained until recently.
Last month, members of House Ni’isjoohl visited the pole in Scotland to prepare it for the journey home after discussions to do so last year.
Now, members will welcome the pole back to the Village of Laxgalts’ap tomorrow during a rematriation ceremony starting at 12:45 in the afternoon.
A follow-up feast will be held at the Community Centre at 4:00, but children will not be permitted due to a lack of seating space.
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