The Story Pole in Beacon Hill Park, Victoria, BC, is a monumental totem pole erected on June 30, 1956. It was carved by a team led by Mungo Martin, a renowned Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwa-kiutl) chief and master carver, along with his son David Martin and Henry Hunt. At the time of its installation, it was the tallest free-standing story pole in the world, standing 127 feet and 7 inches tall, with its base set in a specially engineered steel and concrete socket.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The pole was created from a 133-foot western red cedar felled in Sooke, BC, by Ted Shaw and a team of loggers. The log was transported to Victoria via truck and barge, then carved at Thunderbird Park before being erected in Beacon Hill Park.
Beacon Hill is an area of deep significance for the Lekwungen people (Esquimalt and Songhees Nations), with the pole symbolizing both Indigenous artistry and the region’s First Nations heritage.
The Story Pole also serves as a memorial: a plaque at its base honors British Columbia Indigenous veterans who served in the First and Second World Wars. This aspect is the focus of a recent documentary, Story Pole: Indigenous Veterans and the Tallest Totem in the World, which highlights the sacrifices and contributions of Indigenous veterans. An excellent video documentary is available at the Royal Roads University website.
Over the decades, the Story Pole has undergone several restorations due to natural deterioration. In 2000, it was lowered for major repairs and restoration, which included re-carving and repainting by community volunteers and Coast Salish artist Vern Point. The restored pole was re-erected in November 2001.
In 2011, further cleaning and repainting were carried out by First Nations artists Jonathan Livingston and Calvin Hunt, a descendant of one of the original carvers. This work was done on scaffolding over 120 feet high
The average lifespan of a totem pole is about 50 years; the City of Victoria estimated during the 2011 restoration that the pole might stand another decade before requiring further intervention.
Legacy
The Beacon Hill Park Story Pole remains a powerful symbol of Indigenous culture, remembrance, and reconciliation. It continues to attract visitors as a landmark of both artistic achievement and historical memory, standing as a testament to the enduring stories and contributions of British Columbia’s First Peoples.
Important context about story poles and totem poles can help clarify what is generally represented:
Story poles, also known as totem poles, often depict a combination of mythological beings, clan crests, and animals that represent the ancestry, histories, and important events of the Indigenous peoples who create them.
The figures on a story pole do not always narrate a story in a sequential, comic-book style. Instead, they serve as visual reminders of stories, histories, and family or clan connections that are familiar to the community.
The specific figures and their arrangement are typically symbolic, with each animal or supernatural being representing a particular legend, family, or event. For example, common figures may include the Raven, Bear, Wolf, Eagle, or supernatural beings, each with its own associated stories and meanings.
In summary, while the search results do not provide a precise list of the stories or figures on the Beacon Hill Park Story Pole, it is likely that the pole features a montage of significant beings and symbols from Kwakwaka’wakw and broader Northwest Coast traditions, each representing elements of cultural heritage, ancestry, and local legends. The full meaning of the pole would traditionally be explained by a knowledgeable community member or carver familiar with the specific stories encoded in its carvings.
Historical Significance of the Story Pole in Coast Salish Culture
Transmission of Morality and Cultural Beliefs
Story poles in Coast Salish culture are distinct from northern totem poles in both style and purpose. While northern poles often serve as heraldic monuments to display family crests, commemorate individuals, or memorialize events, Coast Salish story poles are primarily designed to convey morality stories and teachings. Each figure carved on a story pole represents a lesson about responsible behavior, integrity, and cultural values, acting as a visual medium for passing down traditional beliefs and instructing community members on how to live well.
Preservation and Sharing of Tradition
The creation and public placement of story poles have historically been acts of cultural preservation and revitalization for the Coast Salish people. During periods when traditional practices were threatened or suppressed, such as the early 20th century, carving and raising story poles became a way for Coast Salish communities to hold onto and share their heritage. These poles served not only to educate their own people but also to foster understanding and reconciliation with non-Indigenous communities
Artistic and Community Legacy
Story poles are highly sculptural, with figures standing out in high relief, reflecting the unique Coast Salish carving style. Their continued creation and restoration have inspired a renaissance in Coast Salish art and culture, influencing new generations of carvers and storytellers. As significant artifacts, story poles educate the public, sustain the vitality of Coast Salish traditions, and honor the enduring qualities of the stories they embody.
Community Placement and Enduring Relevance
The act of raising a story pole in a public space is itself a historical event, symbolizing the ongoing efforts of the Coast Salish to assert their presence, share their worldview, and ensure their stories remain part of the broader cultural landscape. The poles are embraced by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, affirming the importance and resilience of Coast Salish culture.
In summary, the historical significance of the story pole in Coast Salish culture lies in its role as a vessel for teaching, preserving, and sharing traditional values and stories, as well as its contribution to cultural resilience and community identity.
