Winnipeg - Assiniboine Park

This is a continuation of the story of the Residential School totem pole. Followers of this site will know that the pole, which was originally carved in Tsulquate (Fort Rupert), spent 5 years in Montréal in front of the Montréal Museum of Fine Art. We recently went to Montréal to bless the pole and protect it as it made its way to its new home. See the "Journey to Montréal" link for that story. This page is about our journey to Winnipeg for its new home. Although it will be staying in Winnipeg this spot will be only temporary while the Historic Hudson's Bay building is renovated. When that is done the pole will be moved there, it's final location. Here are a few photos of the event.

Dancer Howard Roulette (Sandy Bay Ojibway Nation)Chief Prince (Sandy Bay Ojibway Nation), Grand Chief Daniels of SCO, Chief McLean (Lake Manitoba), Angelo Daniels (son of Grand Chief Daniels), Chief Bluesky (Brokenhead Ojibway Nation) and in front Chief Henderson, (Sagkeeng First Nation) Photo by Chloe Courchene from Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba.

Always captivating, these grass dancers were no exception. Early in the ceremony these two dancers welcomed the pole into their territory. The dancer to the left is AJ Williams and the one below is

Photos by Chloe Courchene from Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba

Charles' family entering the floor doing the paddle dance. This is done in reference to traditional visits to neighbouring villages by canoe. Songs would be sung while paddling to the village and then the paddles would be held upright symbolizing their landing there. This song is being led by Michael Hunt. Following him are Solomon Munn, Lance Joseph, Tyson Joseph, Edward Joseph, Lisa Walkus, Dorothy Speck, Georgina Sydney, and Haley Charlie.

Photos by Chloe Courchene from Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba