2. Great Bear Rainforest

Klemtu

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Kitasoo/Xai'xais Big House (2005), Klemtu, British Columbia<br /> <br /> The Big House was constructed in 2005 in memory of the traditional long houses of the Tsimshian First Nations and is used by the community in celebrations, traditional dances and memorials. This building has served an important function in the community, allowing them to reconnect with their past and bring ancient traditions alive again This is especially important as it is a way to teach the youth of the community about their history and traditions and give them a sense of pride.<br /> <br /> The front of the building is decorated with 4 totemic figures representing the four different kinship groups of Klemtu, each of which has a legendary relationship with the totemic figure. Indeed, the word "totem" refers to a symbolic relationship existing between natural phenomena (usually animals) and humans. It is the archetypal symbol, animal or plant, of hereditary clan affiliations. People from the same clan have the same clan totem and are considered immediate family. It is taboo to marry someone of the same clan.<br /> <br /> In this view you can see three of the four figures representing:<br /> Eagle: Great Strength, Leadership and Prestige<br /> Raven: Creation & Knowledge - Bringer of the Light<br /> Wolf: Intelligence & Leadership - Strong Sense of Family<br /> Killer whale: Traveler & Guardian - Symbol of Good (hidden from view)
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Kitasoo/Xai'xais Big House (2005), Klemtu, British Columbia

The Big House was constructed in 2005 in memory of the traditional long houses of the Tsimshian First Nations and is used by the community in celebrations, traditional dances and memorials. This building has served an important function in the community, allowing them to reconnect with their past and bring ancient traditions alive again This is especially important as it is a way to teach the youth of the community about their history and traditions and give them a sense of pride.

The front of the building is decorated with 4 totemic figures representing the four different kinship groups of Klemtu, each of which has a legendary relationship with the totemic figure. Indeed, the word "totem" refers to a symbolic relationship existing between natural phenomena (usually animals) and humans. It is the archetypal symbol, animal or plant, of hereditary clan affiliations. People from the same clan have the same clan totem and are considered immediate family. It is taboo to marry someone of the same clan.

In this view you can see three of the four figures representing:
Eagle: Great Strength, Leadership and Prestige
Raven: Creation & Knowledge - Bringer of the Light
Wolf: Intelligence & Leadership - Strong Sense of Family
Killer whale: Traveler & Guardian - Symbol of Good (hidden from view)

  • Spirit Bear Lodge, Klemtu, Swindle Island, British Columbia
  • Wharf at Klemtu, Swindle Island, British Columbia
  • Fisheries research boat at the wharf, Klemtu, Swindle Island, British Columbia
  • Boats at the wharf, Klemtu, Swindle Island, British Columbia
  • Kitasoo/Xai'xais Big House (2005), Klemtu, British Columbia<br /> <br /> The Big House was constructed in 2005 in memory of the traditional long houses of the Tsimshian First Nations and is used by the community in celebrations, traditional dances and memorials. This building has served an important function in the community, allowing them to reconnect with their past and bring ancient traditions alive again This is especially important as it is a way to teach the youth of the community about their history and traditions and give them a sense of pride.<br /> <br /> The front of the building is decorated with 4 totemic figures representing the four different kinship groups of Klemtu, each of which has a legendary relationship with the totemic figure. Indeed, the word "totem" refers to a symbolic relationship existing between natural phenomena (usually animals) and humans. It is the archetypal symbol, animal or plant, of hereditary clan affiliations. People from the same clan have the same clan totem and are considered immediate family. It is taboo to marry someone of the same clan.<br /> <br /> In this view you can see three of the four figures representing:<br /> Eagle: Great Strength, Leadership and Prestige<br /> Raven: Creation & Knowledge - Bringer of the Light<br /> Wolf: Intelligence & Leadership - Strong Sense of Family<br /> Killer whale: Traveler & Guardian - Symbol of Good (hidden from view)
  • Old totem pole, Klemtu, Swindle Island, British Columbia<br /> <br /> The figures from top to bottom are raven, eagle, wolf, and killer whale.
  • Old totem lying by the Big House, Klemtu, Swindle Island, British Columbia<br /> <br /> The two lower figures are wolf (bottom) and killer whale (missing its fin).
  • Klemtu Big House with figures of raven (upper right), eagle (upper left), killer whale (lower left) and wolf (lower right), Swindle Island, BC
  • Big House with raven, eagle, killer whale and wolf, Klemtu, BC
  • Welcoming figure, Big House, Klemtu, Swindle Island, British Columbia<br /> <br /> Klemtu is one of the aboriginal villages in the Great Bear Rainforest. This carving in front of the recently built long house in the village welcomes people into the house, which is used for ceremonial occasions such as traditional feasts and dances, celebrations and memorials. For a view of the whole building and some interesting information about it, see here: <a href="http://goo.gl/8a4ggi">http://goo.gl/8a4ggi</a><br /> <br /> The welcoming figure is a man holding two coppers (shields) in his arms, representing each of the two bands living at Klemtu: the Kitasoo tribe of the Tsimshian Nation and the Xai'xais Tribe of the Hjehjish Nation who live together at Klemtu and share a joint government.
  • Raven and wolf totems inside the Big House, Klemtu, BC
  • Eagle and killer whale totems inside the Big House, Klemtu, BC
  • Close-up of raven figure on totem, Big House, Klemtu, British Columbia
  • Close-up of raven and wolf totem, Big House, Klemtu, British Columbia
  • Close-up of wolf figure, Big House, Klemtu, British Columbia
  • Killer whale figure, Big House, Klemtu, British Columbia
  • Detail of wolf figure, Big House, Klemtu, British Columbia
  • Klemtu guide explaining the significance of the welcome figure, Big House, Klemtu, British Columbia
  • Klemtu guide explaining the significance of the eagle and killer whale totem, Big House, Klemtu, British Columbia
  • Crab pots on the wharf, Klemtu, BC<br /> <br /> There is a thriving fishery for Dungeness crabs in this area and I can vouch for how delicious they are.

  • Rick Willis

    on August 28, 2013

    Interesting Design...

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