KITAMAAT VILLAGE, B.C. – The Haisla Nation is inviting all communities to join them in a historic celebration on Saturday, July 19, marking the beginning of a new annual tradition to commemorate the return of the geps gáulex̄ mortuary pole.
The celebration is a powerful story of resilience and repatriation. It honours the homecoming of a culturally significant pole that was taken from Haisla territory for 77 years.
The free, family-friendly event begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Haisla Nation Recreation Centre (1538 Jassee Street) and will feature cultural performances, a variety of food options, and local vendors.
The Story of the Pole
The history of the geps gáulex̄ pole is a long and emotional journey.
- It was first commissioned in 1872 by Chief geps gáulex̄ as a mortuary pole, following a devastating smallpox epidemic that took the lives of many, including his wife and children.
- In 1929, the pole was cut down by an Indian Agent and sent to a museum in Sweden.
- For decades, its whereabouts were unknown to the Haisla, until it was located in 1991.
- This discovery began a 15-year process of negotiation with Sweden. Finally, in 2006, the pole was returned home to the Haisla people.
This year’s event marks the beginning of an annual celebration of this historic repatriation. It is an open invitation to stand with the Haisla Nation in celebration, reflection, and community on the road to reconciliation.
For more information, the public can contact the Haisla Nation’s Culture and Language Department.
