Thunderbird Bear Pole — Museum at Campbell River

he original 20-foot pole, carved in 1967 by the late Sam Henderson, was removed in 2001 as part of a downtown revitalization project. After being relocated to the new Museum at Campbell River grounds, the pole endured heavy southeastern rain and snow, becoming so deteriorated that further restoration was impossible. Bill and Junior began carving a replacement pole, but the project was interrupted by the sudden passing of Bill’s brother. The late Mark Henderson had meticulously mixed the paints used on the pole. The new pole was raised in 2017, placed in a protected spot on the Museum grounds, and blessed by the Henderson family.