Totem: The Return of the G'psgolox Pole

This documentary tells the story of a totem pole that once stood in the territory of the Haisla/Xenaksiala First Nations, near present-day Kitamaat Village in northwest British Columbia. Carved in the 19th century it stood for nearly 6 decades before it was cut down and shipped to Sweden under the assumption that the village was deserted and the pole was no longer wanted by the original inhabitants.

In the film, Gil Cardinal documents the history of the totem pole, the people who discovered the whereabouts of its long-lost pole and the trials and tribulations involved in trying to get it back.

As a Haisla person who knew little about what really happened it was an eye-opening experience to watch this film. There was a screening in nearby Kitimat a few years ago and Gil Cardinal was present to talk about the process of making the film and the events that have transpired since the film was completed.

This story is still ongoing and when it concludes it will be end of a long and memorable journey. I'd recommend this film as it gives a glimpse of our Haisla culture and history.