Centennial Totem Pole Restoration 2023 -2024

In 2023, New Westminster's twenty-four-foot pole was still stable but in need of repairs and resurfacing. Its weathered appearance was impacting the meaning of and appreciation for the totem pole. With guidance from the artist's niece, Cheryl Wadhams, the City was able to find an artist to perform this work and honour the cultural and artistic integrity of the original pole. Over the course of four and a half months, Lloyd Wadhams Jr, performed painstaking work to repair and restore his late father's pole to its original condition. On November 10, 2023, the restored totem pole was re-installed at the Centennial Lodge.

Lloyd Wadhams Jr.is a Kwakwaka’wakw artist from Alert Bay, Canada and known for his wood carvings and stunning gold and silver jewelry.

This is the third time Wadhams Jr. has repaired his father's poles. Previous projects include the centennial pole in Coquitlam and the Lakeshore Park Totem Pole in Regina, Saskatchewan.

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Neighbourhood:
Queen's Park
Status:
Permanent
Type:
Totem