Do you know the story of the Education is Unity totem pole on our Terrace campus?
The Education is Unity pole, the first ever raised on one of our campuses, reflects the unity felt by the Ts’msyen, Nisg̱a’a, Haisla, Gitx̱san, Witsuwit’en, Haida, and Tahltan nations in envisioning a future where post-secondary education honours their traditions and empowers their communities.
It was carved under the direction and guidance of Master Carvers Murphy Stanley Sr. (Nisg̱a’a) and Heber Reece (Ts’msyen) with assistance from carvers Murphy Stanley Jr., Robert Stanley, Henry Reece, and students from the First Nations Fine Arts program. In November 2004, when carving was complete, Simooget Delgamuukw (Earl Muldon, Gitx̱san), who was also a Master Carver, led the raising ceremony for the pole on the Terrace Campus of Northwest Community College (now Coast Mountain College).
Each figure on the pole tells a story of identity, resilience, and purpose. At its foundation, the wolf crest holds a copper shield embedded with a robin, symbolizing the People of the Robin and the Laxgyibuu (Wolf) Clan of the Kitsumkalum, who graciously granted permission for the pole to stand on their traditional territory. This powerful foundation supports the killer whale, bearing a grizzly bear blowhole, which is an emblem of coastal Ts’msyen identity.
Above that, the raven appears with a crow in its wing, acknowledging the Tahltan people. The Haida Watchmen stand guard next, holding a rainbow and paddle. The rainbow speaks to the Nisg̱a’a story of the flood and the Creator’s promise of peace and abundance. The paddle symbolizes Gitx̱san leadership and the unity and collaboration required to paddle a canoe.
At the top sits the mighty Eagle, a messenger from Creator common to all nations, who represents strength and good news. Within the ovoid rests a beaver, a crest unique to the Witsuwit’en and Haisla Nations.
The Education is Unity pole is not only an expression of artistry and tradition; it stands as a lasting reminder of the shared journey towards educational equity and opportunity for all the peoples of the Northwest Coast. It celebrates the spirit of collaboration and the enduring strength of Indigenous communities working together to build brighter futures for generations to come.
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, we honour the stories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples across this land. The Education is Unity totem pole is a powerful reminder of what is possible when diverse voices come together with a common purpose: education, empowerment, and unity.
An original planning sketch for the Education is Unity Pole
Carving the Education is Unity Pole in the early 2000s
Do you recognize any of the carvers in these two photos? If you do, please drop us an email at communications@coastmountaincollege.ca.
The Education is Unity Pole on the CMTN Terrace Campus in early 2025
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Media Contact:
Lucy Stanford
Interim Manager, Marketing and Communications
lstanford@coastmountaincollege.ca