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Decommissioning Inauthentic Totem Poles

What's Happening

In 2019 a naming committee was struck for what became the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre. During committee meetings the panel informed the City of New Westminster that there were art forms in the community that were not indigenous to local First Nations. In response, the City undertook a more thorough investigation of all Indigenous-style art forms on lands managed by the City.

The City has learned that three totem poles located at Hume Park, Moody Park, and Ryall Park are not carved by Indigenous artists or connected in any way to any local First Nations.

As a result, the City has made an informed decision to decommission (remove) the poles.


Hume Park


Moody Park


Ryall Park

Key Findings of Totem Pole Review

  • Each pole was carved and maintained by non-Indigenous individuals; they were carved by a former City Gardener as playground design features in the 1980s and later repaired by local painter.
  • No evidence was found that any consultations, guidance or permission to create the poles was obtained by any local First Nations or relevant Indigenous community members.
  • The poles are not included in the City’s Public Art inventory and do not have important cultural or artistic significance.

Decommission Process and Commitment to Reconciliation

The City of New Westminster acknowledges its role in the colonization of British Columbia and has made a commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and endorsed the articles of The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). UNDRIP outlines internationally-recognized rights of Indigenous Peoples, including decision-making about the preservation of cultural items, heritage, identity, and self-determination. UNDRIP also calls upon all levels of government to take action to uphold these rights and reduce harm caused by government action, past and present.

The City recognizes that the three totem poles infringe on rights identified by UNDRIP. The poles are a clear act of cultural appropriation, which is the inappropriate use of cultural elements of one culture or identity by members of another culture without consent. Appropriation is especially harmful when there is an imbalance of power and “is often a by-product of colonialism and oppression, commonly referenced by Indigenous cultures living under colonial rule.”

To take meaningful steps toward truth and reconciliation, the City takes responsibility for the three poles and is removing them out of respect to local First Nations and Indigenous community members.

FAQs

How did the City research the origin and authenticity of each pole?

City staff assessed the authenticity of each totem pole through a number of ways:

  • On-site assessment (markers, park signage)
  • Internal and external archival review (reports, communications, and media)
  • Key feedback by representatives from local First Nations and urban Indigenous community members
  • Internal interviews with current and former City Parks staff

Did the City receive or seek any input during the review and decommissioning process?

The təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre Indigenous Naming Advisory Panel advised the City that the poles were inappropriate. The Arts Advisory Committee, and Community Heritage Commission were consulted in the decommissioning of the poles.

When will the poles be removed?

The poles will be decommissioned by March 31, 2026.

How much will it cost to decommission and dispose of each pole?

There will be no cost as the work can be completed by City staff and within existing budgets.

What will happen to the poles after they are removed?

Staff will destroy and safely dispose of the poles.

What will the poles be replaced with?

There are currently no plans to replace the poles, however the City hopes the decommissioning process will foster meaningful and culturally-appropriate opportunities to work with artists from local First Nations.

There are two other totem poles in Queens Park. Where do they come from and are they inauthentic as well?

These two poles were both created by Indigenous carvers and they are part of New Westminster’s public art collection. They are called the Maquabeak Pole and the Centennial Totem Pole. To learn more about these poles, view their pages on the City’s public art registry at Centennial Totem Pole and Maquabeak Pole.

Does New Westminster have any other Indigenous artwork that can be seen in its public spaces?

Yes, there are eight publically viewable Indigenous artworks held by the City as well as one that will be installed in the Westminster Pier Park expansion that is currently under construction. These artworks are as follows:

Where can I learn more about respectful practices related to Indigenous art and culture?

Where can I learn more about the City of New Westminster’s Reconciliation Journey?

More information can be found on the City's Indigenous Reconciliation webpage.

Contact

For more information, please contact Heritage Services at