In Nuxalk culture, totem poles have always been used as territory, land and grave markers. In addition, each longhouse had a totem pole to let the Nuxalkmc (Bella Coola People) know where they came from. The Nuxalkmc had over 300 villages within our Territory. Our families still carry many traditional names from these Nuxalk villages. For example, the Talyuumc families of Snow (Snuxyaltwa), Andy, Schooner, Tallio and Hans all come from the village of Talyu. Some Hereditary Chiefs carry Smuyustas, which are the Story of Origin from the beginning of time. The Snuxyaltwa Totem Pole at Talyu tells our Smayusta or Story of Origin. The Loon is on top, the Whale is towards the bottom with the Grizzly, Thunderbird, Yulm and Sun. This is the first totem pole to be raised in our Home Land at Talyu. The main carver was Harry Schooner. Assistants were Joe Mack, Richard Pollard and Art Saunders. Visitors from all corners of the world (including Holland, Germany, New Zeeland, Hong Kong and England) came to Talyu to witness the historic Talyuumc event. Nuxalkmc chiefs are now talking about totem poles marking their ancestral lands. Raising a totem pole makes us happy; this is the Way of Our People and the Way the Creator has given us to remind us of who we are, where we come from, and what our purpose is here on Mother Earth. The Snuxyaltwa Family would like to thank all those who have helped us. Good strong spirits keep us on the right road. Let's make the Nuxalkmc circle bigger and stronger. Way! Chief Snuxyaltwa, Bella Coola, 1 September 2009

This famous archival photo shows the amazing totem pole that was at the entrance to the Raven House of Chief Hemasin in the ancient Nuxalk village of Talyu. It was carved from a monumental cedar tree by Skyuswalus of Talyu. The figures depict creatures involved in our Nuxalk family histories. Most powerful is Raven with its long beak. A secondary figure is Beaver, whose face and big incisor teeth, appears above Raven. Beaver's body and tail are carved in the centre of the pole, below Raven's beak. Eagles appear on either side of Beaver. The photo was taken by the English ethnologist Charles Newcombe in 1913, the same year that he took our Raven Pole to Victoria, where it remains today.

2009 – Nuxalk totem pole facing the sea at Talyu, South Bentinck

1913 – Nuxalk totem poles facing the sea at Talyu, South Bentinck

Some of Our Guests at Talyu – 19 August 2009

Snuxyaltwa Potlatch — 20 & 21 August 2009

Strengthening Our Nuxalkmc Spirit The Nuxalkmc and House of Smayusta Chiefs are still Potlatching. This is the name given to our traditional system of government and ceremonies. Within our Potlatch government, no Hereditary Chief has given his or her territory or land to any foreign (Canada or British Columbia) government. We believe that the Creator has given us our land and that we are the care takers of it. Foreign goverments have sold ancestral Nuxalkmc land without the consent of the Hereditary Chiefs. Much of our land has been illegally sold to logging and mining industries, to fishing and hunting industries and to private developers. We protested the fish farm hatchery that was built at Ocean Falls in 2003 and the rock quarry planned for Bella Coola in 1999. Currently there are plans to exploit our rivers for power and develop a deep sea port at the mouth of the Bella Coola River. To serve the port, a new super highway is planned from Williams Lake to Bella Coola. Tourism ventures like helicopter skiing take place against our wishes. The Department of Indian Affairs (elected leadership) is used to promote a so called "new relationship" with industry and the goverment of Canada. Examples are the Marine Use Plan and Forest and Range Agreement. Lowly divide and conquor style tactics tempt Nuxalk communities and families with kick backs and jobs while encroaching on the land of neighbours, friends and families. During these four wonderful days of the Snuxyaltwa Potlatch, totem pole raising, canoeing, traditional weddings, dancing, singing, gift giving, healing and honouring have all taken place. We wish to thank all of you who have supported us: without your help this special occasion would not have been possible. Way! and may the Creator be with you all Chief Snuxyaltwa, Bella Coola, 1 September 2009

NUXALK STRONG – NUXALK FOREVER