pole Item Number: 2022.O.007:1 from the Sto:lo Research & Resource Management Centre
Carved wood totem pole
Coqualeetza IRS had a training program that involved some traditional cultral work, where girls wove baskets, spun and knit, and boys learned carving with the hopes that this would help develop work skills, teach technical training, continue some traditional knowledge, and help students sell their goods. This was funded first by the DIA and then by the United Church after 1934. Rev. Raley's resulting collection from this program was used for display at the school as well as for teaching, and later became part of the of UBC's collection at MOA. This painted carving is wood, painted black, yellow, green, and white. Paint type is unknown, may contain arsenic, lead. Handle with care, wear gloves. Base is black with yellow lettering that reads "CHWK 1935", which we interpret as being carved at Chilliwack's Coqualeetza IRS in 1935.
Donor is local, items passed to her from her father's house