In 1929, the Haisla people of northwestern British Columbia returned from a fishing trip to find a nine-metre-high totem pole, known as the G'psgolox pole, severed at the base and removed from their village. The fate of the 19th century pole remained unknown to the Haisla for over sixty years.

This long awaited new film from director Gil Cardinal reveals the Haisla's recent discovery of the pole in a Stockholm museum where it is considered state property by the Swedish government. From the lush rainforest near Kitamaat Village, BC, to the National Museum of Ethnography in Sweden, the documentary traces the fascinating journey of the Haisla to reclaim the traditional mortuary pole. Bringing to light a powerful story of cultural rejuvenation, the film raises provocative questions about the ownership and meaning of Aboriginal objects held in museums.

Following its disappearance, the pole existed among the Haisla only in their rich oral traditions. Totem: The Return of the G'psgolox Pole bears witness to the long-awaited and emotional moment when members of the Haisla finally set eyes on it again in 1991. As negotiations for the return of the pole begin, this beautifully-crafted documentary weaves together voices, both Haisla and Swedish, that offer candid perspectives of the repatriation process and the enduring significance of this cultural heirloom.

Cardinal skilfully layers compelling interviews, striking imagery and rare footage of master carvers as they create a replica pole. The Haisla have fulfilled a promise to the museum to replace the original totem. Now, having honoured their end of the bargain, they await the return of the G'psgolox Pole.

The Haisla Totem Pole Repatriation Project

A project of Ecotrust Canada, Kitamaat Village Council and the Swedish National Museum of Ethnograpy

Nanakila

Na na kila is a non profit charitable society working for the Haisla Nation in Kitamaat Village, and now working on the Haisla Totem and Cultural Centre Project.

Ecotrust Canada

Ecotrust Canada works to promote the emergence of a conservation economy in the coastal temperate rainforest of British Columbia.

2003, 70 min

Le totem d'origine de G'psgolox

Totem: The Repatriation Collection

Honorable Mention - Category: Social Issues
International Film and Video Festival
November 10 to 14 2004, Columbus - USA

Award of Distinction
Indian Summer Deltavision Film & Video Image Awards
August 9 2004, West Allis - USA

Golden Sheaf Award - Category: Best Multicultural
Golden Sheaf Awards / Short Film and Video Festival
May 27 to 30 2004, Yorkton - Canada

Best Documentary Award
Imagine Native Film + Media Arts Festival
October 23 to 26 2003, Toronto - Canada