Grant First Nations and all people the Totem Pole return to Centennial Park St. Catharines.

It has been a sacred meeting place for many for 56 years, including ceremonial traditions, wedding ceremonies, many sacred fires and gatherings that are essential to healing and supporting residential school survivors and the connection to community. 

On December 17th, 2019, it was removed to be restored. The city of St. Catharine’s wants to put it in a sports arena to keep it from elements.

No!

It’s meant to be in the elements. The Thunderbird is one of our many protections. It’s part of our family, our history, and our memories.

Hereditary. Chief Kwakwaka Artist Doug Cranmer from Nagis Nation, commissioned the Thunderbird 1966, and was erected in 1967. Cranmers craftsmanship is displayed internationally. His work plays a significant role in the Northwest Coast Art Movement.

This represents ancestry, history, people and events.

An ancient cultural tradition, The Totem pole, was created out of Red Cedar and was restored in 2022.

Bring our Thunderbird home!

Truth and Reconciliation means:

#83 Reconciliation agenda for the canadian council for The Arts.

Comment what this means to you!

We want to hear from you!

And when we win, and we will win, that’s reconciliation.

That’s connection.

And that’s healing. 🧡