Totem Poles of ch’atlich (Sechelt)
The totem poles of ch’atlich interactive guide and map
Totem poles are monuments created by Coast Salish First Nations, typically made of red cedar, to document the stories and histories of community and clan members. They depict animals or mythological figures, often representing themes and concepts relevant to specific events or individuals.
Many totems in the Sechelt area include the figures of wolf, grizzly bear, orca, frog, and eagle. The first four represent the four main clans of the shíshálh people. Collectively, the shíshálh First Nation is represented by the figure of a double-headed eagle.
Because they are made of wood, and usually are outside, totems typically have a relatively short “lifespan.” The totems that you can see in the Sechelt area were all carved and erected in the last forty years. With age, they usually are laid down to naturally decay and return to the earth.
Take a moment to stroll around ch’atlich (Sechelt) and visit these beautiful historic and contemporary totem poles. This brochure includes a handy map for a self-guided tour.
Totem Poles of ch’atlich | Sechelt
The totem poles of ch’atlich (Sechelt) are impressive indications of the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the shíshálh Nation and other First Nations groups in BC. Totem poles are monuments created by Coast Salish First Nations, typically made of red cedar, to document the stories and histories of community and clan members. They depict animals or mythological figures, often representing themes and concepts relevant to specific events or individuals.
Many totems in the Sechelt area include the figures of wolf, grizzly bear, orca, frog, and eagle. The first four represent the four main clans of the shíshálh people. Collectively, the shíshálh First Nation is represented by the figure of a double-headed eagle.
Because they are made of wood and usually are outside, totems typically have a relatively short “lifespan.” The totems that you can see in the Sechelt area were all carved and erected in the last forty years. With age, they usually are laid down to naturally decay and return to the earth.
Take a moment to stroll around ch’atlich (Sechelt) and visit these beautiful historic and contemporary totem poles. This brochure includes a handy map for a self-guided tour.
Indigenous Tourism BC acknowledges that it is situated on operates on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).
