Local First Nation artist carves special Healing Pole
Luke Marston has created a totem pole that will be displayed at Government House in Victoria. The Coast Salish carver put finishing touches on the Healing Pole last week.
Email
Print
Letter to Editor
Share
Updated: September 28, 2009 5:46 PM
Luke Marston has carved a totem pole to promote harmony between all people.
The original creation, a contemporary twist on Coast Salish tradition, was unveiled on Sept. 25 during a ceremony at Government House in Victoria.
Marston is one of four First Nation artists commissioned in 2008 to create pieces by the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and the First People’s Heritage, Language and Culture Council.
With support from Lt.-Gov. Steven Point, the project’s overall aim is to enhance Government House’s collection of aboriginal art.
Marston, a Stz’uminus (Chemainus) First Nation member, carved the piece from western red cedar. Called the Healing Pole, it stands almost five metres tall.
The design features the figure of a female shaman holding a butterfly who is joined by two spirit helpers — a frog and an owl.
B.C.’s lieutenant-governor provided some input on the four projects.
He suggested the artists incorporate the theme of uniting communities.
“That’s why I put a shaman on there, because I believe that in order to bridge a gap between these nations, or between all people, there has to be healing first,” said Marston, who was raised in a family of Native carvers.
v2
