#Kwakiutl Totem

[noosphe-re]

[teaboot]

How do Canadian schools teach about indigenous Canadian history and culture? -a curious USAmerican

In my experience we learned about colonization at the same time as we learned about the formation of Canada. At first it was "European settlers came and pushed out the indigenous population", then in the higher grades we learned more about the how and the why.

For example, how carts full of men with rifles would ride around shooting Buffalo, then leaving the meat on the ground to rot, because "a dead Buffalo is a dead indian", which was so fanatical it almost wiped out wild Buffalo entirely

Also how Canadian settlers were lured in with beautiful hand-painted advertisements for cheap, beautiful, fertile land that was unpopulated and perfect, if only you'd sail over with your entire family and a pocket full of seeds- only to be met with scared, confused, and angry lawful inhabitants already run out of ten other places, and frigid winters, and rocky, forested, undeveloped dirt.

also, smallpox blankets, where "gifts" of blankets infected with smallpox were intentionally given out

And treaty violations- Either ignoring written agreements entirely, or buying them out at insanely low prices and lying about the value, or trading for farming equipment that they couldn't use because they weren't farmers.

Then in the first world war, where they told indigenous peoples here that they'd be granted Canadian citizenship if they enlisted

To Residential schools, which was straight up stealing kids for slavery, indoctrination, and medical experiments

But we also covered the building of the Canadian Railway in which Chinese immigrants were lowered into ravines with dynamite to blow out paths through the mountain for pennies on the dollar

And the Alberta Sterilization Act, where it was lawful and routine procedure to sterilize women of colour and neurodivergent people without their awareness or consent after giving birth or undergoing unrelated surgeries

But I'm rambling.

We kind of learned Aboriginal history at the same time as everything else? Like. This is when Canada was made, and this is how it was done. Now we'll read a book about someone who lived through it, and we'll write a book report. And now a documentary, and now a paper about the documentary. Onto the next unit.

And starting I think in grade 10 our English track was split between English and Aboriginals English, where you could choose to do the standard curriculum or do the same basic knowledge stuff with a focus on Aboriginal perspectives and literature. (I did that one, we read Three Day's Road and Diary Of A Part-Time Indian, and a few other titles I don't remember.)

There was also a lunch room for the Aboriginal Culture Studies where Aboriginal kids could hang out at lunch time if they wanted, full of art and projects and stuff. They'd play music or videos sometimes, that was cool

And one elective I took (not mandatory cirriculum) was a Kwakiutl course for basic Kwakwakaʼwakw language. Greetings, counting to a hundred, learning the modified alphabet, animals, etc. Still comes in handy sometimes at large gatherings cause they usually start with a land recognition thanking whoever's land we're on, with a few thanks and welcomes in their language.

And like- when I was in the US it was so weird, cause here we have Totem poles and longhouses and murals all over and yall... don't? Like there is a very distinct lack of Aboriginal art in your public spaces, at least in the areas I've been

My ex-stepfather, who was American, brought his son out once, and he was so excited to "see real indians" and was legitimately shocked to learn that there weren't many teepees to be found on the northwest coast, and was even *more* shocked when we told him that you have Aboriginal people back home too, bud. Your Aboriginal people are also named "Mike" snd "Vicky" and work as assistant manager at best buy.

If you'd ask me, I'd say that the primary difference is that USAmerica (from what I've seen, and ALSO in entirely too much of Canada) treats our European and Aboriginal conflicts as history, something that's tragic but over, like the extinction of the mammoths, instead of like. An ongoing thing involving people who are alive and numerous and right fucking here

But at the end of the day, I'm white, and there are plenty of actual Aboriginal people who are speaking out and saying much more meaningful things than I can

So I'm just gonna pass on a quote from my Stepmum, who's Cree, that's stuck with me since she said it:

"You see how they treat Mexicans in America? That's how they treat us here. Indians are the Mexicans of Canada."

[formlines]

Medicine Drum

Joe David

from the website: ‘Medicine Drum‘ – The Drum has been part of every culture on earth, prominent at one time or another. For our native people the drum represents the heartbeat. It is believed that the inside of an actual long house represents the inside of a whale. The large beams and planks of wood representing the spine and ribs of a whale, while the drums are considered its heartbeat and the songs represent the spirit of the whale.

Drummers are known to congregate and play individual hand drums together. The use of a single drum was traditionally isolated to a few groups, such as the Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwakiutl), who are known to have used a single wooden plank struck by multiple players. As in other regions, the drum is used to begin and to mark certain points within a song. Some indigenous people of the Northwest Coast utilize the drum to indicate the presence of spirits. For example, a tremolo created by rapidly striking the drumhead can be perceived as an audible manifestation of a spirit being’s presence. Aside from use within the potlatch setting, drums are employed by shamans—powerful individuals who have the ability to move in the liminal space between this world and others, communicating with spirit guides. Many of the musical instruments used on the Northwest Coast can be associated with shamanic practice. Often, a physical representation of a shaman’s spirit guide is carved in the form of a rattle or whistle, as an effigy used to invoke the spirit’s power.

The Native Symbol or Totem Eagle is known as “The master of skies” and is a symbol of great significance. He is believed to be the creature with the closest relationship with the creator. By soaring great heights, he can travel between the physical world and the spiritual world. He is said to be a messenger to the creator. Unlike the raven’s ability to send messages down, the eagle sends messages and prayers to the Creator. If an Eagle was seen during a Prayer session it was a sign of having a prayer accepted If a prayer needed immediate attention from the creator an eagle feather would be held up towards the sky. Although every part of the eagle has separate and significant meanings, the Eagle as a whole signifies focus, great strength, peace, leadership and incredible prestige. The wings of an eagle symbolize the balance and co-dependency between females and males, and how each gender must work unitedly in order to achieve harmonious results. The eagle feather plays a substantial part in religious and shamanic practices and ceremonies. The feathers were only allowed to be worn by people who had earned the privilege. For example warriors that had done extremely well in battles would have a feather rewarded to them. The eagle feather transmits strength; it gives the ability to speak honestly from the heart, without hurt or anger. The middle vane in the feather symbolizes the path that every man walks in their life time, and every barb that comes of the middle vane symbolizes the choices we all have in life, and that every choice we make is attached to the middle or main path that we take. Eagle down is scattered in entrances as a friendly welcome when people of great importance come and it is also often used in dances. Besides being a member of many different clans, every descendant from the Northwest Coast First Nations belongs to either a Raven or Eagle Clan. The membership is always defined by which clan the individuals mother belonged to.

The Moon lightens the darkness of the night and is known as the guardian of the earth at night and the night-time protector of humans. Moon is a symbol of power and was traditionally used to show prestige. Full moons are credited with providing direction, vision and guidance. He signifies height as a sign of status. The Moon has the ability to change our moods and thoughts.

The Moon was the exclusive crest of only a few of the highest ranking chiefs. Northwest coast First Nations legend tells us of the Raven who is said to have released the Moon into the sky. The stars are pieces of the Moon that flung off when Raven threw it into the sky. An eclipse was said to be a Codfish trying to swallow the Moon. In order to prevent this, a bonfire was set with green boughs to add smoke. As people danced ceremonially around the fire, thick smoke rose to the sky causing the codfish to cough and spit out the Moon. When the people saw the Moon appear at the edge of the mountain they would drum to bring the Moon higher into the sky.

[patriciastrike]

Totem pole in Confederation Park, Ottawa

It is the work of Kwakiutl artist Henry Hunt.

[adobe-outdesign]

Have you reviewed the Natu line yet? I feel they’re forgotten about these day

I honestly really like this line. There's just something really appealing about a bunch of barely-moving psychic birds that stand around witnessing The Horrors(TM) 24/7.

Natu doesn't strictly speaking need to exist, but it's different looking enough from its evo—possessing tail feathers, a distinct wing pattern, and a completely different body shape—that it still stands on its own visually if not conceptually.

In addition to the vaguely indigenous patterns, it also has a very nice color palette, using green, red, and yellow. It looks colorful enough due to the different hues, but the limited amount keeps it pretty coherent. The completely flat eye also helps convey the "staring in the future" idea nicely.

Xatu is a really solid continuation of Natu's main traits, keeping the same palette and distinctive eye and markings, but expanding the design to include a much more well-defined body shape and increasing the complexity of the patterns.

Another neat thing is that it expands upon the vague artistic notions of Natu by gaining a totem pole theme, what with it not moving and having a "second head" with its chest markings (it's even named after the xat, a pole specifically used as a memorial to the dead).

I do sort of wish this line had been a bit more specific about which cultures and totem poles they were aiming for, as they all different significance and mashing them all together feels a bit wishy-washy. Still, it's not the point of being inconsiderate by any means, just vague.

Honestly, I have no problems with these two beyond that, but I do think they could use an evo (or something mega-esq). Totem poles are not only beautiful, but can be extremely complex, often sporting multiple figures in one pole depending on culture and meaning. One of the world's tallest story poles was carved by the Kwakiutl tribal chief Mungo Martin and looks remarkably like the line, to get an idea of what I'm thinking:

Add more markings, give it an entire (true) second head or beak, make it taller... really, the concept is right there. The line's not particularly strong either, so it could use the boost.

Anyway, overall, this is a very strong line with striking visuals and a strong, straightforward concept. Aside from some inspirational vagueness, it's dang near perfect in my book.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Image: Joseph Campbell, age 80, next to Kwakiutl totem pole in the room he visited as a young boy. The Museum of Natural History, New York, 1984. The Kwakiutl First Nation is located in Fort Rupert, Vancouver Island, Canada.

* * * *

“Myth is metaphor. The imagery of mythology is symbolic of spiritual powers within us: when these are interpreted as referring to historical or natural events which science in turn shows could not have occurred, then you throw the whole thing out. You see, myths do not come from a concept system; they come from a life system; they come out of a deeper center. We must not confuse mythology with ideology. Myths come from where the heart is, and where the experience is, even as the mind may wonder why people believe these things. The myth does not point to a fact; the myth points beyond facts to something that informs the fact.

When you think, for instance, ‘God is thy father,’ do you think he is? No, that's a metaphor, and the metaphor points to two ends: one is psychological--that's why the dream is metaphoric; the other is metaphysical. Now, dream is metaphoric of the structures in the psyche, and your dream will correspond to the level of psychological realization that you are operating on. The metaphysical, on the other hand, points past all conceptualizations, all things, to the ultimate depth. And when the two come together, when psyche and metaphysics meet, then you have a real myth. And when that happens the sociological and the cosmological aspects of your life have to be re-visioned in terms of these realizations.”

-[Joseph Campbell]

From An Open Life: Joseph Campbell in Conversation with Michael Toms (pg. 21)

[storiesandorigami]

The Salmon (#9)

Salmon are one of the most important animals in Native American culture- particularly among the tribes of the Northwest Coast and the Columbia River region where the fish were incredibly abundant.

In many Native American myths, salmon are revered for their self-sacrifice, willingly giving themselves as food for humans. This act endows them with a special position of honor and respect in Native American culture. Consequently, there are numerous taboos and rules regarding salmon to avoid offending them. Tribes celebrate Salmon Dances and First Salmon Ceremonies at the beginning of the salmon fishing season, expressing gratitude and respect for these fish. These ceremonies often involve returning parts of the salmon, such as bones, to the river as a gesture of thanks, acknowledging the salmon's role in the cycle of life.

In terms of symbolism, salmon frequently represent determination, renewal, and prosperity in Native American artwork and literature. They are also included as clan animals in some Native American cultures, such as the Tlingit and Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl) tribes, and are often used as a totem pole crest.

[talltalestogo]

“Myth is metaphor. The imagery of mythology is symbolic of spiritual powers within us: when these are interpreted as referring to historical or natural events which science in turn shows could not have occurred, then you throw the whole thing out. You see, myths do not come from a concept system; they come from a life system; they come out of a deeper center. We must not confuse mythology with ideology. Myths come from where the heart is, and where the experience is, even as the mind may wonder why people believe these things. The myth does not point to a fact; the myth points beyond facts to something that informs the fact.

When you think, for instance, ‘God is thy father,’ do you think he is? No, that's a metaphor, and the metaphor points to two ends: one is psychological--that's why the dream is metaphoric; the other is metaphysical. Now, dream is metaphoric of the structures in the psyche, and your dream will correspond to the level of psychological realization that you are operating on. The metaphysical, on the other hand, points past all conceptualizations, all things, to the ultimate depth. And when the two come together, when psyche and metaphysics meet, then you have a real myth. And when that happens the sociological and the cosmological aspects of your life have to be re-visioned in terms of these realizations.”

-Joseph Campbell

From An Open Life: Joseph Campbell in Conversation with Michael Toms (pg. 21)

Image: Joseph Campbell, age 80, next to Kwakiutl totem pole in the room he visited as a young boy enchanted with American Indians. The Museum of Natural History, New York, 1984

#josephcampbellfoundation #jcf #followyourbliss #mythology #josephcampbell

[rabbitcruiser]

Confederation Park, Ottawa

Confederation Park (French: Parc de la Confédération) is a public park and National Historic Site of Canada, located in downtown Ottawa. It is bordered on the south by Laurier Avenue and Ottawa City Hall; on the east by the Rideau Canal and National Defence Headquarters; on the north by the Mackenzie King Bridge, the Rideau Centre, and the National Arts Centre; and, to the west, by Elgin Street and the Lord Elgin Hotel. 

Confederation Park is one of the 'Capital' parks in Ottawa maintained by the National Capital Commission.It is an urban park, with paved pathways, monuments and an open lawn on the eastern side for gatherings. It is basically flat in its topology. A large fountain is located in the centre of the park. Constructed of Peterhead granite, it honors Colonel John By. The fountain was relocated from Trafalgar Square, London, where it had played from 1845 to 1948. A twin of the fountain, which had also stood in Trafalgar Square, is located in Wascana Park, Regina.The park also is the site of a totem pole donated to the City of Ottawa to commemorate British Columbia's 1971 centennial, the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument and a Boer War memorial statue.

The park is also home to the Canadian Animals in War Memorial. On November 3, 2012, the dedication to Animals in War memorial took place at Confederation Park in Ottawa. The memorial consists of three plaques and sculpture of a dog located next to the South African War Memorial. The memorial was overseen by Lloyd Swick, assisted by Shalindhi Perera and Laureen Harper as honorary patron. The bronze memorial is created by David Clendining.

A large plaque, erected in 1964 by the Polish Home Army Ex-Servicemen's Association of Canada, is dedicated to the memory of Canadian airmen who flew with the Polish Home Army while flying support missions during World War II. In 1993 when the airmen were posthumously awarded a Polish decoration, a bronze replica of the Polish Home Army Cross and a small plaque with inscription were added.

The park is surrounded on all sides by large buildings. On the east, on the other side of the Canal, is the Brutalist office tower of National Defense Headquarters. On the south, across Laurier Avenue is the complex of Ottawa City Hall and the Ottawa Courthouse. On the west, on Elgin, is the large Lord Elgin Hotel. To the north, the National Arts Centre complex can be seen.

The pathways through the park serve as a common shortcut for pedestrians heading from Elgin Street and/or Centretown to destinations to the north and east (the National Arts Centre, Rideau Street, Sussex Drive, the Rideau Centre and/or the Byward Market), since it is a more direct route than walking uphill on Elgin and Wellington Streets.  

The area was part of Ottawa's downtown for many years, the site of businesses related to the nearby Rideau Canal, such as Dey's Boat Works. The location was the site of The Arena from 1908 to 1927, where the original Ottawa Senators ice hockey team played. The land bordering the canal was cleared in 1927, including the demolition of the arena. The land was used to build "The Driveway" roadway along the canal, as a scenic improvement of the capital.

Along Elgin Street, the location was occupied by the Roxborough Apartments, a luxury apartment complex that had once been home to many Ottawa elites, such as Prime Ministers William Lyon Mackenzie King and Louis St. Laurent. As part of the 1949 Greber Plan, the site was to be cleared for a "Confederation Park" along the Canal from Laurier Avenue to Wellington Street surrounded by public buildings. The apartments and a number of buildings were expropriated and demolished by the federal government to build a "National Museum of Science" in 1965. The area north of the Mackenzie King bridge had already been cleared as part of the building of Confederation Square. That section was ultimately used for the construction of the National Arts Centre. In 1967, the Museum site was converted to parkland, to commemorate the Canadian Centennial (the 100th anniversary of Canadian Confederation).

From 1971 to 1993, the park was home to Ed Zelenak's massive sculpture, "Traffic." The controversial work was a large brown tube of fiberglass that was compared to a large worm or piece of dung, and led to much debate over modern art in Ottawa. It was later relocated to a more obscure location by the National Gallery.

In 2016, the park became a hub for players of the mobile game Pokémon Go.

In 2017, the community advocacy group Bookmark the Core proposed that the southeastern portion of the park could be annexed as a home for the new central branch of the Ottawa Public Library. This prompted Mayor Jim Watson to launch a counter "Save Confederation Park" campaign on Twitter. However, Confederation Park was never considered as a site by the library committee considering the location of a new central branch and any changes to the park would first need to be approved by the NCC.

Source: Wikipedia

[paulpingminho]

[thebigkelu]

Kwakiutl people, some bowing before totem poles in background, others seated facing front as part of the nunhlim ceremony, the four days prior to the Winter Dance. - Curtis - 1914

[divinum-pacis]

Totem Poles | Native America | PBS

Alan Hunt and Beau Dick share the real story of totem poles and the great cedar trees they are made from.

[jareckiworld]

Emily Carr  -  Guyasdoms D'Sonoqua   (oil on canvas, 1929-30)

[donwidmerpaperarts]

“Transformation” is a handmade paper artwork featuring watermarks as a significant part of the design. Swipe to see it backlit. Read more about the creation of this piece on my brand new blog (link in profile). This framed piece is now 50% off the listed price on Etsy, with code TRANSFORM. #donwidmerpaperarts #handmadepaper #watermarks #hamatsa #totems #masks #pacificnorthwest #kwakiutl https://www.instagram.com/p/CdYwkU_rcTy/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[martinberthelot]

#KwakiutlTotem while on a walk in Confederation Park on a warm January afternoon. . . . #Kwakiutl #Totem #Ottawa (at Confederation Park)