Of Myths and Culture

The Centennial and Millennium totem poles stand in Capilano suspension bridge park in North Vancouver, demonstrating an ancient system of visual communication used by the Coast Salish people of the Pacific Northwest.

The Centennial pole on the left contains a figure that welcomes visitors with open arms. According to custom, if the figure had no arms when you encounter it, then it's better to turn around.

The Millennium pole on the right tells the gruesome story of a slayed cannibal giant whose body turned into mosquitoes thus pestering humanity for eternity with their infernal buzzing and biting.

There were other totems scattered throughout the park, and I began to lose track of which pole was which.

I believe this is the Mary Capilano pole by carvers Wayne Carlick and James Lewis. These poles are usually made of cedar wood and sometimes accented with other materials such as seashells and hair. As the plaque indicates, this one contains real human hair from one of the artist's grandmother.

I do not have information on the following totems, but they look impressive. I recognize the salmon, a wolf, and possibly an eagle but it could be thunderbird, which is a cool mythical creature in Coast Salish legends.

The early history of the people associated with these lands is scattered throughout the park grounds and gives one a better sense of the early beginnings of this amazing mountainous region.

Thank you for joining this journey of discovery.

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