After towering over Jasper for the better part of 94 years, the Raven totem pole bid a final farewell to the Jasper on June 16. 

The unlikely ambassador for the community, which witnessed generations of change, several marriage proposals and even a visit from Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio under its lofty shadow, rode off behind an 18-wheeler under a sunny afternoon sky last week. 

“Time has taken its toll on the totem. Today, it leaves for a final time to be repatriated by the Haida Nation,” said Lori Dowling, project co-ordinator behind the totem project.

Crated in a special truck in what looked like a ceremonial coffin, the totem, recently stripped of its paint job revealing carving details, arrived in Masset, British Columbia on June 21 to be the centrepiece of a repatriation ceremony, which saw six poles return to their home with the Haida Gwaii. A long house has been constructed to house the pole once it arrives in Masset. It will not be raised again.

The new Haida totem pole, which was originally expected to arrive this summer, will not be ready until the Spring of 2011.

Representatives from Haida Gwaii accompanied the totem along its final journey. 

Rodney Brown accompanied the totem pole as the official ambassador from Haida Gwaii.

“We’re treating it as someone coming home,” Brown said. “It’s a part of me and a part of my history.”

Jasper National Park Superintendent Greg Fenton told the assembly the totem pole was “a part of it what meant to be a Jasperite.

“Today we bid farewell to this gentle giant, which has been an integral part of Jasper for 90 years of its life.”

Mayor Richard Ireland said there is no one community perspective on the totem pole, but individual stories that express personal connection to the pole.

“It’s never simply been an icon for visitors. It’s been an integral part of Jasper, as immutable as the mountains and rivers,” Ireland said. He said it was a symbol of one’s connection to Jasper’s indigenous people and the inherent value of the land.

Andrew Williams, also from Haida Gwaii, said the return of the Jasper Raven totem is ‘unprecedented.’

“So many museums around the world have them and they will never go home,” Williams said. “I’m very proud and happy it’s going home.”

Williams also said he’s enjoyed hearing other stories about the totem, as many Jasperites also feel as if they’re seeing a family member go.

Growing up in Haida Gwaii, Williams said he was aware of the totem, but didn’t hear any complaints about the fact the pole had been taken. He said there was pride the pole stood high in a beautiful part of the world.

Tales about the raven totem in Jasper are plentiful. Many long time local citizens shed a tear for the departed totem, and shared stories that were collected by Parks Canada. The pole arrived in Jasper after it was taken from the Island by the Grand Trunk Railroad to promote their route. It was moved three times. The pole was originally 18 metres tall, but was chopped down to 12 metres after its base began to rot.

News that the new pole will be delayed took many by surprise. Parks Canada project manager Ray Magnan said transporting the pole from a humid environment to a semi-arrid location too quickly could cause the new pole to split. He was onsite when the pole was felled.

Fenton said the delay will give the carver the right amount of time to complete the project, and give parks a chance to work with the cultural community to determine the protocols for the raising of the new totem. A new tree had to be selected for the pole, Fenton said, which will be carved with a new story; one which reflects Jasper. It is currently 10 per cent complete.

Days before the totem was set to return, the federal government signed an agreement expanding the Haida Gwaii National Marine Conservation area. Fenton said it was reflective of the partnership between the government and the Haida that such events are taking place.

In order to respect other first nations cultures, nations and families with raising a Haida pole in their territory, there are many ceremonies that must take place. The Haida have not been identified as a nation with traditional ties to the Jasper National Park area, however some indicate there is evidence they did trade within the area.

The final farewell does carry a pricetag. In all, taxpayers will pay $498,000 for the event. About $200,000 went toward the restoration of the pole and the creation of the transportation crate. Another $180,000 was spent on the project co-ordinator, hiring interpreters advertising and event planning, and the new pole will cost about $115,000.