On September 30, 2024 the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation the Haisla Nation  ( x̄á’isla nation) and the District of Kitimat came to together to raise “Bridging our Núyem,” a new pole that commemorates the new Haisla Bridge over the Kitimat River.

Hundreds of people from both Kitimat and Haisla in a fierce late September rain storm and sometimes cold gusts of wind for the ceremony.

According to the District of Kitmat news release:

In mid-December 2023, Nathan Wilson selected the tree that would provide the pole’s log. It was harvested in the forest just south of Kitamaat Village. This process was documented in this short video.

As described by Nathan, the figures in the pole, from top to bottom, are a trapper holding a marten- this was one of the most important fur bearing animals that was trapped and the pole is on a traditional waw̓áis. The next figures are a Grizzly bear holding a salmon and a diving eagle with a salmon in its talons. On the very bottom are the key stone species that have sustained the Haisla, the salmon and oolichan.

“This project was a very big step in my artistic career,” says Nathan Wilson. “It took five months to carve it, but I enjoyed it so that it didn’t feel like I worked a day at all. It is a tremendous honour to do work for the community.”

The march

Some of the participants including  some elders, residential school survivors and  x̄á’isla nation heriditary chiefs marched in a heavy downpour along Haisla Boulevard to the site.

Moving into position

The pole was moved into position for the raising.

Breathing life ceremony.

Before the pole is raised chiefs and elders held a ceremony to breath life into the pole.

Raising the pole

The pole was mmoved into position for the raising.

The District news release says

The installation of this pole is part of ongoing reconciliation efforts between the District and Haisla.

“The Haisla Bridge replacement has been such an important step for x̄á’isla representation in the community, both with its construction and the commitment to display Haisla art,” says Haisla elected Chief Councillor Crystal Smith. “It is very exciting to see this latest installation that will share important pieces of our Nation’s culture for the wider community.”

Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth applauds the work that has taken place to now.

“This pole is a result of the great work that has been done for the past number of years to strengthen the connection between the District of Kitimat and Haisla Nation,” says Germuth. “It is great to see the replacement of the bridge become something greater and more meaningful to our community.”

In March 2022, the District and Haisla began a two-year facilitated process, through a program called the Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI). This set the groundwork of continuing collaboration. The District and Haisla Nation have graduated from this program but continue to work together under the framework the program provided.

Reconciliaton dinner

On Monday evening a reconciliation dinner was held at Riverlodge, where the residential school survivors who were able to, recounted their experiences.