Ga'akstalas Totem Pole – Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Columbia

Ga’akstalas, carved in 1991 by Wayne Alfred and Beau Dick who are from Alert Bay on the northern tip of Vancouver Island. The pole is based on a design by Russell Smith. The pole depicts many important figures in Kwakwaka’wakw culture. Red Cedar-bark Man is an ancestor who survived the great flood and gave the people the first canoe. The hero Siwidi, shown riding a killer whale, was taken under the sea to the home of the sea-world’s chief and brought back the right to use all of the sea-kingdom masks. The giantess dzunukwa sits at the base of the pole, symbolizing her central role in bringing magic and wealth to her people. In the words of the artists: "We wanted this pole to be a beacon of strength for our young people and show respect for our elders. It is to all our people who have made contributions to our culture."