Totem Poles Across the World the Totem Pole Is Often Falsely Equated with the Art and Culture of All Indigenous North American Peoples

Corporate Report City Council

Report from: Parks, Recreation and Culture Services, Programs and Cultural Services Report Date: July 15, 2019 Meeting Date: August 12, 2019

Report Number: PRCS-126-2019 File: 68.31.102

Subject: Centennial Gardens Totem Pole

Strategic Pillar:

Recommendation That Council approve that the Centennial Gardens Totem Pole be immediately taken down, stored for drying, restored, and re-installed at Centennial Gardens in 2020 (option #1 as outlined in this report) and;

That Council provide early approval of the 2020 Capital Budget to an upset limit of $125,000, for this project. FORTHWITH Summary This report provides information related to the current state of the Centennial Gardens Totem Pole and recommendations for options for the Totem Pole moving forward. Background The Centennial Gardens Totem Pole In the early-to-mid 1960’s the nation was nearing its 100th anniversary of Confederation and communities across the country sought ways to commemorate that historical event. To mark that event, the City of St. Catharines commissioned Kwakwaka’wakw artist, Doug Cranmer of the ‘Namgis Nation in British Columbia to create a totem pole to be the centerpiece of Centennial Gardens. The Totem Pole is made of red cedar and is 10.7 m high with a diameter of 86 cm and consists of five (5) characters that carry their own meaning and symbolism. Atop the totem pole is a Thunderbird, followed by a Bear holding Copper, a Cedar Man, a Sisiyutł (a legendary creature found in many Indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest), and a Raven (see Appendix 1 for current images of the Totem Pole). The Centennial Gardens Totem Pole was commissioned in 1966 by the City of St. Catharines for $6,800 and was shipped from British Columbia by train and erected by crane in Centennial Gardens (the park).

The Totem Pole has been located in Centennial Gardens for 52 years and as with any object fabricated from natural materials, the totem pole has been subject to the effects of the weather, insects and rodents. The wood from which the totem pole is made has begun to deteriorate and decay. The Totem Pole is at the end of its lifespan in its current form and location.

Artist Doug Cranmer The internationally renowned Master Carver, Doug Cranmer was born in Alert Bay, British Columbia on January 18, 1927. Not only was he the hereditary chief of the ‘Namgis Nation, but he was also a carver and artist that played a significant role in the Northwest Coast art movement. The Northwest Coast was part of an exciting, innovative and international art scene that has contributed to the history of Indigenous art in Canada. He passed away in 2006.

Doug Cranmer is an internationally recognized Canadian artist whose work can be found in the Canadian Museum of History and the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia. He was a Master Carver who mentored many younger Indigenous artists throughout his career. His work has been displayed nationally and internationally and is part of many public and private collections.

The Totem Pole is a piece of artwork in the City’s Public Art Collection and has a value of approximately $120,000.

Totem Poles Across the world the totem pole is often falsely equated with the art and culture of all Indigenous North American peoples. In actuality, the carving of totem poles is an ancient cultural tradition that originated on the west coast of North America with First Nations such as the Tsimshian, Haida, Tlingit, Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuxalt and Coast Salish. Each group has their own carving styles and traditions.

Bruce Alfred (consultant, who studied under Doug Cranmer and is an expert in west coast totem poles) confirmed that the Centennial Gardens Totem Pole is not a sacred totem pole and does not represent a particular Indigenous story or family history. The characters on the pole were chosen by the artist as being of interest in his final design and do not represent the local Niagara Indigenous story.

Report Page 2 of 9

Report Current State of the Totem Pole Cultural Services staff routinely carry out condition reports on all the public art owned by the City. For the past few years, the state of the Centennial Gardens Totem Pole has been of concern.

In 2018, Richardson Tree Care and Landscaping was hired to undertake two separate analyses of the condition of the totem pole, in order to ascertain the current state of decay of the wood of the pole and the risk of failure to the pole’s structural integrity. These tests were undertaken on June 1, 2018 and again on November 6, 2018. In the June test, the condition of the pole was tested at ground level and above ground level; and in November the pole was tested at ground level only. While these tests did not address decay further up the Totem Pole, while on-site on the day of the test, staff witnessed a squirrel had nested inside the pole near the top and there have been past incidents of bees and ants nesting in the pole. These would indicate that the upper section of the pole has also been subject to varying degrees of deterioration.

Two types of tests were conducted on the pole: a Resistograph reading, measuring the density of the wood around the edge of the pole based on resistance to drilling; and a Rinntech Arbotom test which uses sound waves to ascertain density across the pole. According to the final report provided to the City on December 18th, 2018:

“This totem pole is decayed in the centre of the pole as indicated on the Arbotom images. The location of decay is central but the area of measuring point 8 to 1 (see Appendix 2) has decayed areas throughout the radius.

The results are for the interface between the soil / concrete and the pole. Untreated wooden poles decay most extensively at, or below the soil / surface interface where fluctuating air and moisture levels give rise to the best conditions for growth of wood decay fungi. For these reasons the pole may be more decayed in terms of cross sectional area and stage of decay below ground than at the level tested.”

The report indicates a loss of load capacity for the Totem Pole of 12-20%. The report goes on to state that this loss of load capacity does not mean the pole is in imminent danger of failure. As the pole is not subject to dynamic loading (such as from branches or objects sticking out from the pole), it is less likely to be impacted by wind, snow or ice.

The Richardson report also indicates that “the totem pole currently does not pose a risk of failure and can be safely retained for a short period of time. The decay will continue to advance and the load carrying capacity will decline.” It is the opinion of the consultant that the Totem Pole is safe to remain in its current state and location throughout the winter of 2018 / 2019.

Report Page 3 of 9

While the consultant indicated that the Totem Pole is not in imminent danger at this time, the pole continues to be subject to weather and other natural agents of deterioration.

Public Consultations In early June, 2018, the City of St. Catharines held three public consultations, facilitated by Cultural Services staff, to provide information related to the current condition of the Centennial Gardens Totem Pole and to garner community input with regards to the future of the totem pole. The first consultation was held at the Niagara Regional Native Centre and two consultations were held at City Hall. An online survey was also available until June 30, 2018. The engagement sessions were led by City staff, with the assistance of consultant Bruce Alfred, a Kwakwaka’wakw artist, from Alert Bay, British Columbia, who studied under Doug Cranmer and is an expert in west coast totem poles. Members of the Niagara Regional Native Centre provided support throughout the consultations and attended all three sessions and City staff engaged the Fort Erie Friendship Centre at the beginning of the process to invite their participation.

During the consultations, Bruce Alfred provided additional information to dispel some misconceptions about the removal of totem poles. A common misconception has existed that the totem pole must be laid down and let to deteriorate into the ground naturally. According to Mr. Alfred, there are no cultural reasons to prevent the City from removing and restoring the pole, or removing the pole completely. He addressed the question of what happens to poles that have reached the end if their lifecycle, in West Coast Indigenous communities? According to Mr. Alfred, West Coast Kwakwaka’wakw communities carry out regular maintenance of their totem poles so that they don’t get to the point of falling down. Their poles are regularly painted and restored to ensure they can remain standing. He indicated that there was no accepted ceremonial way to remove a totem pole. The best option would be to make sure the totem pole doesn’t reach that condition in the first place. Mr. Alfred indicated, however, that in his professional opinion, the pole could be restored. He indicated that the best way to do so would be to take it down in order to assess the damage and make the work easier.

One thing that is important to note and that was brought forward at the public consultation and in consultation with the local Indigenous community, is that totem poles are not a genre of artwork native to Southern Ontario. This artwork does not currently represent local Indigenous people. No matter the option chosen for the future of the Totem Pole, it should be considered in the context of how to represent our local Indigenous culture moving forward.

Forty-two people attended the public consultation sessions. Additionally, the information and survey were made public on the City’s website and via social media. Ninety-five responses were received to the survey, either in-person, at the consultation sessions, or online. Survey participants were asked for their name and postal code and how frequently they visit the Totem Pole in addition to the main survey question which was: “What is your vision for the Centennial Gardens Totem Pole?” The responses to the

Report Page 4 of 9 survey can be categorized into the four following options. The fifth option, maintain status quo was also analyzed as part of the report.

Options 1 - Restore the Totem Pole and replace it back in Centennial Gardens, 2 - Restore and relocate the pole indoors, 3 - Relocate indoors without restoration, and, 4 - Replace with local Indigenous art and let the Totem Pole fall on its own. 5 - Leave the pole in-situ and continue to monitor its condition.

Analysis of Options The following information will address all five options and outline an estimated budget for each. All these budgets are estimates and will depend on a full condition report of the pole once further investigation has been completed.

In all cases, except for option #5, the concrete base around the Totem Pole must be removed and the pole either cut off below ground level or pulled out of the ground.

Option #1: Restore & place back in Centennial Gardens

This option entails removing the pole from the ground, storing and drying it indoors in a climate controlled facility for 6 months, restoration by a totem pole artist from Alert Bay, B.C., replacement in Centennial Gardens, the addition of interpretive material to complement the re-installation, and on-going yearly maintenance to ensure that the pole does not deteriorate once again.

The celebration of the re-installation of the new pole would require inviting Elders and family members from the Kwakwak’wakw Nation to perform a ceremonial raising, in partnership and consultation with the local Indigenous community.

The estimated cost of this option is $100,000-$125,000 depending on the condition of the pole, plus additional on-going yearly maintenance costs of $1,000.

Option #2: Remove, restore the pole and install indoors

This option entails removing the pole and transporting it to a climate controlled indoor location for 6 months for it to dry out. The pole would be restored by a totem pole artist from Alert Bay, B.C., while in the laying-down position. Once restored, the Totem Pole would be transported to its final indoor location where it would sit in a custom designed mount. Interpretive information would be included to complement the installation.

A re-dedication of the pole would include inviting Elders and family members from the Kwakwak’wakw Nation as well as the local Indigenous community.

The estimated cost of this option is $100,000-$125,000 depending on the condition of the pole.

Report Page 5 of 9

Option #3: Remove and install indoors without restoration

This option entails removing the pole and transporting it to a climate controlled indoor location for 6 months for it to dry out. Once the pole is stable and dry and its condition has been assessed, it would be transported to its final location where it would sit in a custom designed mount. Interpretive information would be included to complement the installation.

A re-dedication of the pole would include inviting Elders and family members from the Kwakwak’wakw Nation as well as the local Indigenous community.

The estimated cost of this option is $50,000-$80,000 depending on the need to invite members of the Kwakwak’wakw Nation for a re-dedication.

Option #4: Remove and install indoors without restoration and replace with local Indigenous art in Centennial Gardens.

A re-dedication of the pole would include inviting Elders and family members from the Kwakwak’wakw Nation as well as the local Indigenous community.

This option includes developing a call to artists to commission a new work of local Indigenous art to replace the Totem Pole in Centennial Gardens. This would go through the City’s regular Request for proposal process as per similar public art projects in the city.

The estimated cost of this option is $80,000-$120,000 depending on the need to invite members of the Kwakwak’wakw Nation for a re-dedication and $50,000 allocated to a new Indigenous public art installation in Centennial Gardens.

Option #5: Leave the Totem Pole in-situ without restoration. Continue to evaluate condition yearly.

This option would entail bracing the pole in its current location to ensure additional stability for the structure, testing the pole yearly for on-going deterioration, and potentially fencing around the pole 10.7 metres in diameter for safety, adding new interpretive panels to the site related to the pole and its history and to the local Indigenous community and its culture. This option means the Totem Pole will continue to be subjected to deterioration due to the weather and will likely continue to rot until it falls down or is removed.

Report Page 6 of 9

The estimated cost of this option is $5,000-$10,000 depending on the structural needs of the pole and the cost of fencing, plus yearly maintenance and evaluation of $1,000.

Summary of Options The overwhelming preference by public consultation attendees and survey respondents was to restore the Totem Pole and replace it back in Centennial Gardens – Option #1 (63 of the 95 total responses).

At its meeting on February 27, 2019, the City’s Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) also had consensus to support the recommendation to restore the Totem Pole and replace it back in Centennial Gardens. The PAAC advised that while they preferred an option which would include restoration and re-installation in Centennial Gardens, they recognize that this might not be feasible. Should that be the case, the PAAC prefers as a second option that the Totem Pole be removed and replaced with a new piece of local Indigenous art and the Totem Pole be placed on display indoors without restoration. The PAAC did not support the recommendation to leave the Totem Pole in-situ without any intervention. Financial Implications The preferred option for the Totem Pole, as recommended through the public consultation process is to restore the Totem Pole and re-install it in Centennial Gardens. This option is also the most expensive option both in the short and the long term as there is a requirement for on-going maintenance of the pole in order to keep it from deteriorating back to its current state, or worse.

Staff will investigate all funding options available, including Federal and Provincial funding programs, sponsorships and opportunities for donations in order to complete this project.

The City received a grant through the Department of Canadian Heritage, for the Performing Arts Centre’s Celebration of Nations project, which included work on the Totem Pole. Of this, approximately $21,000 remains, which can be earmarked as a contingency fund for the project.

The preferred option will require an estimated project budget of up to $125,000 plus an additional $1,000 per year for on-going preventative maintenance.

Report Page 7 of 9

Totem Pole - Option One - Budget

PHASE ONE Action Notes Cost $1,200.00 a month x 12 months. Estimate. (NOTE: All efforts will be made to find City Space Rental (non-City owned or donated storage space, if possible to owned space) potentially avoid this expense.) $14,400.00

Tree Test Based on cost of 2018 consultant costs. $750.00 Removal of Totem Pole & Transportation Based on research. $6,000.00 Based on researched rate for minimum 21 days. 2 restorers required. Travel and Restoration accommodation costs also included in estimate. $57,850.00 Includes paint, REZ coating, out-source Supplies cleaning and lead cap. Estimate. $9,000.00 Approximate Cost Phase 1: $88,000.00 PHASE TWO $2,800 + HST, based on removal and transportation. $3,000.00 for reconstruction Reinstallation of base. Estimate. $9,000.00 Estimate includes, 6 representatives from Alert Bay, BC for 5 nights. A budget for performances, speakers and interpretive panels Re-Dedication also included. $28,000.00 Approximate Cost Phase 2: $37,000.00 FINAL APPROXIMATE COST: $125,000.00

Relationship to Strategic Plan The recommendations of this report directly support Strategic Plan Cultural Sustainability Goal 9: Embrace our diversity and celebrate our heritage and history.

Conclusion The Centennial Gardens Totem Pole has been a fixture in our community for more than 50 years. It is an important piece of artwork created by a significant Canadian Indigenous artist. Addressing the current deteriorated state of the Totem Pole will provide an opportunity for the City to honour this work.

Report Page 8 of 9

Notification Not applicable.

Prepared by: Kathleen Powell Acting Supervisor of Culture Services, PRCS

Submitted by: Lori Mambella Manager, Programs and Culture Services, PRCS

Approved by: Phil Cristi Director, PRCS Appendices: Appendix 1 – Centennial Gardens Totem Pole Photos Appendix 2 – Centennial Gardens Totem Pole Arbotom and Resistorgraph Readings

Report Page 9 of 9

Centennial Gardens Totem Pole 1

Centennial Gardens Totem Pole

1 – Thunderbird 2 – Bear holding copper 3 – Cedar man 4 – Sisiyutł 5 - Raven 2 Centennial Gardens Totem Pole - Arbotom and Resistograph Readings from November 6, 2018.

Arbotom Image, November 6, 2018.

Note: Detail noted in wedge shaped section between points 8 and 1 has the most deterioration with more significant deterioration in the centre but evidence of deteriorated condition extending to the exterior of the pole.

Resistograph readings from November 6, 2018.

Note: In the above Resistograph readings, the light green represents intact wood, the red represents some decayed wood, and the dark purple represents hollow material. Where there is a flatter line in the graph, the decay is more significant – representing little resistance to the drill bit. Each graph represents a different location on the pole.