For the November Local History Speaker Series, we are showcasing a film, provided courtesy of the National Film Board of Canada. Join us for a screening of Totem: The Return of the G’psgolox Pole.

In 1929, the Haisla people of northwestern British Columbia returned from a fishing trip to find a 9-metre-high totem pole, known as the G’psgolox pole, had been severed at the base and removed from their village. The fate of the 19th-century pole remained unknown to them for over sixty years. In this film, director Gil Cardinal reveals the Haisla’s 1991 discovery of the pole in a Stockholm museum, where it was considered state property by the Swedish government.

From the lush rainforest near Kitamaat Village, British Columbia, to the National Museum of Ethnography in Sweden, Cardinal’s documentary traces the fascinating journey of the Haisla to reclaim their traditional mortuary pole. Bringing to light a powerful story of cultural rejuvenation, this film raises provocative questions about the ownership and meaning of Aboriginal objects held in museums.

Cardinal skillfully layers compelling interviews, striking imagery and rare footage of master carvers creating a replica pole. The Haisla have fulfilled a promise to the museum to replace the original totem. Now, having honoured their side of the bargain, they await the return of the G’psgolox pole.

November’s Local History Speaker Series is taking place Tuesday, November 17 at 6 PM. The Speaker Series will be held at the McLaughlin Branch of the Oshawa Public Libraries, in the lower level auditorium, located at 65 Debwewin Miikan.

The Local History Speaker Series is an event presented in partnership between the Oshawa Historical Society and the Oshawa Public Libraries.

Public Registration Link:

OHS Members: Registration is required. The registration link has been emailed to all members. If you need the link, please email Lisa at membership@oshawamuseum.org.