May 22nd, 2024 - Totem Poles and History

Before I go on, I want to thank Jan for sending me the information on the Cow Moose signs.  Here is the link to that information:

https://www.terracestandard.com/news/cow-moose-sign-project-founder-applauds-b-c-s-decision-to-protect-cow-moose-in-omineca-region-6067375

One of the reasons we came here is that I wanted to see the Ksan Village and Museum and to learn about the Native Peoples of this region.  The campground is within walking distance to the village and when I got there - there was a sign about water problems and they were closed.  WHAT A BUMMER!  But, I could still walk around so that is what I did.  

There are buildings and totem poles:

https://www.ksanvillage.ca/

https://ksan.org/

Just another tidbit - We are camping in the village of Gitanmaax.

"The Gitanmaax Band is a band government of the Gitxsan people, based near the meeting of the Skeena and Bulkley Rivers, adjacent to the village of Hazelton and 5 km west of New Hazelton, in northwestern British Columbia, Canada. Our vision is to restore and maintain healthy traditional community values; while actively participating in the new economy."

Sadly I cannot give you any history on this - Bummer. 

From there I took one of the walking paths back to the campground:

Since I did not spend much time at the village, we decided to head out on a road trip.

Our first stop was Hagwilget Canyon and the suspension bridge.

There are two lookouts.  Views from the north side - the Stekwayden Mountains:

The Canyon:

The Seven Sisters Mountains:

The viewpoint:

Then we traveled to the south side of the bridge:

The canyon where the village was located:

The current bridge:

More information can be found here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hagwilget_Canyon_Bridge

https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=14605

The bridge is open to pedestrians and I thought about it until I looked down when we were driving over it.  The views are incredible but my tummy and legs did the once over so NO!  Not going to happen - LOL!

Our next stop was the visitor center where we picked up some information on the Native Sites in the area.  And sadly, their artifact museum was closed... (Sheesh!)

We also found out the directions to the Kispiox Totem Poles where some of those poles are over 150 years old.

Sites around the visitor center:

They had an ice cream truck in the parking lot so we both got a cone and just enjoyed the beautiful weather.  Then we were off to see the Kispiox Totem Poles.

On the way:

Steel Bridge - one way only:

Wooden Bridge - one way only:

And we found it..but we also found a gravesite right across from the totem poles:

I do not know a lot about Totem Poles but I found this on the internet:

https://www.cathedralgrove.eu/text/06-Totem-Poles-2.htm

The characteristic figures on totem poles are symbols comparable to family crests. They illustrate historical events that occurred in a House's past. If the historical event involved several houses, those Houses may share the crest." "The pole's owners display their crests on the pole to establish and make public their claims to vested rights and privileges. They varied with each family; they were exclusive property and were guarded. Each carved illustration on the poles serve a multiple purpose: besides commemorating the dead and showing ownership, they familiarize youths with their histories — keeping part of our heritage alive" Kispiox Totem Poles.

Some of these poles are over 150 years old and some are less than 30 years old.

We drove around this little town - beautiful church but boarded up:

We have found in many of these little communities there is a contrast between new homes that are in good shape and others that are not.  Homes that have a lot of junk around and others that are neat as a pin.  Not sure why?

We made a trip to the river:

Heading back from the river - this is the town:

The town is very small and of course we drive a red pickup - very visible.  I parked the truck near the restrooms here and walked to the river.  When I was coming back I could hear someone on a 4x4 and saw him look at the truck.  I waved as I was coming back and I think he saw me with the camera and then smiled and waved back.  He headed past me but as we left he was not too far behind me.  I told Andy that I think he saw the truck and wondered what was going on.  Once he saw an old lady with a camera, he probably thought "tourist" - no worries.  LOL!

View on the way back:

Our last stop was Old Hazelton to see the replica of the S.S Sternwheel.  

See that yellow tape - yes, they were working on it.  Darn, not having good luck today.  But hey, the scenery in incredible!!!!!

One last thing to leave you with...

Amazing!

https://www.ehcanadatravel.com/british-columbia/northern-bc/smithers/parks-places/5366-old-hazelton-historic-village.html

Here is a map of the First Nations in this area.  We are staying in Gitanmaxx, the bridge is at Hagwilget, and the totem poles at in Kispiox.

In 2009, we were at Gitanyow: https://thehitzels.blogspot.com/2009/09/september-5-2009-cassiar-and-totem.html

We are blessed!

So for a day that started with a little disappointment because of a closure - it turned out to be an incredible remainder of the day.

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Tomorrow we are heading north to the Cassier.  We are bypassing Hyder and Stewart because it is going to rain and will be raining there for the next few days.  

I am told that we will not have cell service nor internet for the length of the Cassier which is about 400 miles.  Updates and any FB will not be happening.

So see you when we get to the Yukon.

OH MY YES!