Dozens of residents braved the cold in Prince Rupert on Friday to witness the raising of a new totem pole.
Erected alongside Highway 16 near the Galloway Rapids, the memorial pole was carved by renowned Nisga’a and Tsimshian artist Mike Dangeli.
It is a sister pole to the one down the Highway in Kitsumkalum, and is intended to commemorate those who have disappeared along the highway.
In addition to Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit people, the 10 foot pole also honours residential school survivors.
During the week leading up to the event, numerous community members visited the pole with prayers and blessings to help prepare it for the rising.
It marks the first totem pole raised in Prince Rupert outside Charles Hays Secondary School in decades.
