As Canadians take time this month to recognize Indigenous history, the Niagara Regional Native Centre is moving ahead with plans to restore the 25-foot totem pole that has stood outside its Niagara-on-the-Lake building since 1988.
“It is in dire need of restoration right now,” said Halley Irwin, director of development and community engagement.
The Thunderbird totem pole, carved by Chief Mathias Joe of the Squamish Nation in Vancouver, was commissioned by Davis Lumber in St. Catharines in 1955 as a piece of art to promote the company’s ties to Western Canada.
At that time, it was billed as the largest totem pole east of the Rockies, said Irwin.
Approximately 25 feet high with a 14-foot wingspan, the pole was moved to the centre in 1988 after the lumber company closed.
But after spending the last 70 years outdoors, the totem pole is in desperate need of restoration, Irwin said.
“It should be a solid piece of wood and we know that there are definitely some hollow spots in it right now,” she said.
“We currently know that there are a family of squirrels living in it.”
Irwin said the centre is hoping to start restoration this year in late summer to early fall.
“It’ll likely be a two or three-week process,” she said.
A campaign to raise funds for the project, which will cost more than $150,000, is expected to launch a few weeks before restoration starts.
Now in its 53rd year, the centre has grown into a key hub for more than 2,000 Indigenous people across the Niagara region.
National Indigenous History Month takes place in June and honours the history, contributions and strength of First Nation, Inuit and Métis people. National Indigenous Peoples Day is June 21.
With Six Nations of the Grand River Reserve and Mississaugas of the Credit Reserve located about 100 kilometres away, the Niagara centre fills a vital role, Irwin said.
“It’s important to have a gathering place for urban Indigenous people,” she said.
And since 65 per cent of registered Indigenous people live off-reserve, Irwin said having a local space for community and cultural connection is essential.
The centre services First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in NOTL, St. Catharines, Thorold, Niagara Falls, Welland, Lincoln, West Lincoln, Pelham and Grimsby — offering 27 largely social-service-based programs, as well as public and private events, Irwin said.
It’s been around since 1972 and moved to its current location on Airport Road in the ’80s.
Its aims include supporting cultural and social interests, addressing social and economic challenges, fostering Indigenous leadership and building understanding between Indigenous people and others in the community.
Totem poles are not traditional to Indigenous peoples who historically resided in Treaty 381 (Niagara Purchase), which covers NOTL, Irwin said.
“It’s definitely important to recognize that it is not part of our traditions — yet something that we still honour,” she said.
The centre has come full circle since its beginnings, Irwin said, and is still working to grow sustainably, be economically independent and self-sufficient.
The centre is now firmly established as a vital resource for Niagara and remains focused on adapting to the changing needs of the Indigenous community, she said.
It also continues to bring people together, like through its August BBQ, November Toonie Auction, January New Year social and regular drum nights and socials throughout the year.
Next up for the centre: A spring celebration this Friday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will feature hands-on activities, food and community connection — rain or shine.
Updates on what’s happening at the centre can be found on its website at nrnc.ca.
