COMMENTARY · 27th October 2012
It was a historical moment for the Haisla First Nations People. The Haisla were celebrating the return of the G'psgolox Pole, a totem pole, a memorial which was stolen long ago. The return of such a treasure which was taken is a rare occurrence, even in this day and age.
The last speaker of the night, Chief Jasse, Sammy Robinson had just finished speaking. The Spirit of the Kitlope were about to perform.
Without warning, the floor of the Haisla Recreation Centre began to shake. No one moved from their seats. Marilyn Furlan, who was near the microphone at the time, asked everyone if they could feel the earthquake.
The return of the G’psgolox Totem Pole is a significant event. It is internationally significant because it is not often these treasures are returned.
Could the region be sharing it’s support for the return of the spiritual artifact?