Carved and painted in 1967 by Lloyd Wadhams Sr. with assistance from Bob Whonnock, both Kwakwaka'wakw artists, the Centennial Totem Pole stands proudly in Queen's Park. After 56 years, the 24-foot totem pole remains stable but shows signs of wear: weathering, wood and paint losses, and emerging cracks. To revive its brilliance and ensure its longevity, repairs and resurfacing are needed.

The City selected Lloyd Wadhams Jr., a gifted artist known for his silver and wood carvings, to restore his late father's totem pole. With a deep understanding of his father's work and the original cultural context, Wadhams Jr. will breathe new life into the pole.

Preparations are underway to lift and carefully examine the pole, with a dedicated workspace in the former farm at Queen's Park. The restoration work is set to begin in July 2023 and will take approximately eight weeks to complete.

Stay tuned for upcoming events, offering public engagement in this journey of preserving and honouring the rich Indigenous artistry.

See other Public Art Projects in Progress