COWICHAN 2008 SPIRIT POLE:

The following is the story behind the Cowichan 2008 Spirit Pole design, as described by carver/artist Carey Newman.

“Victory in Spirit, a Story in Wood” symbolizes the strength of a People: healing through sharing, sharing through learning, and learning through generations. The pole echoes the past, pays tribute to the present and looks to the future.

Reverberations of the past appear in the symmetry of Wolf in the middle of the pole. Variations of this figure can be seen on poles from the early days through the present. In a more contemporary way, the roots at the base signify a deep connection to the past. On the chest of Eagle is Moon offering wisdom and guidance.

The present is honoured by Salmon swimming up stream. This ritual, carried out by many generations, illustrates the cycle of life. We return to where we have come from, to pass on what we have learned. Atop the pole will be an Eagle, strong, self assured, majestic and proud. This expresses a positive future, one in which young leaders are learning from the elders, showing that the future is in good hands.

The future is seen by Eagle and passed down through Wolf and the river to Frog. Frog teaches us that the future is a culmination of our collective experience. We break free from the bonds of our past when we are ready to both honour and leave it behind. If you look closely, you will see that Frog has taken his first step forward. This idea of moving into the future is also embodied by the flowing water, an element that is reflected in the angle of the Eagle’s wings, and the arch of the Wolf’s brow. Everything is connected.

Also told by the figures on the pole is the story of Quw’utsun. When the People first saw the place that would become their home, the mountains appeared to be “frogs warming their backs in the sun.” The hul’q’uminum word for this is Scowutsun. Known today as “Cowichan,” Quw’utsun is “a place to warm your back in the sun.” The pole itself is meant to represent the mountains. The river flows down the mountain and wraps around the Frog near the base. Unseen from the front, the Sun is opposite the Moon, warming the Eagle’s back. The wings of the Eagle are designed to be his feathers and wings, but also a Cowichan blanket.

This pole represents my belief that the way to move forward is by honouring the past and reflecting on the present. This is reflected in the movement of the figures: each is breaking free from its pose, stretching out and reaching, animating itself, and thus the culture it represents.”

The figures and their meanings:

Eagle

Power of the Great Spirit, great perception, capable of bridging worlds, illumination of spirit, healing, grace, courage and freedom.

Wolf

Guardianship, loyalty, longevity, pathfinder, strong spirit, great teacher, ritual, and family.

Frog

Power of water, power of sound, rainmaker, cleanser of spirit.

Salmon

Courage, loyalty, strength, respect for tradition. Inner voice, determination, the power of instinct, sustenance, strength, intuition and the ability to follow your vision.

Moon

Silent vigil, wisdom of the ages, tranquility, serenity, inner peace, self examination, guidance.

Sun

Power of light, giver of life, origin of fire and warmth. Energy, ability to adhere to convictions.

For more information on the Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games, please visit www.cowichan2008.com. For more information on the Cowichan 2008 Spirit Pole tour and other BC150-sponsored events and programs, please visit www.bc150.gov.bc.ca.

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Media contact:	Don McDonald Communications Director Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts 250 213-1667

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