Description of Historic Place

The Smithers Secondary Totem Pole, also known as the Healing Pole, is located in front of Smithers Secondary School in Smithers, British Columbia. The historic place is the totem pole structure.

Heritage Value

Raised just over twenty years ago in 1999, the totem pole at Smithers Secondary School was the first pole to be erected in Smithers in over two decades. The pole was carved by Warner Naziel and James Madam under the guidance of Gitxsan master carver Delgamuukw Earl Muldon. The twenty-four-foot red cedar pole is carved with the crests of the five Witsuwit'en clans and was raised at an All Clans Feast on June 18th 1999 that was attended by over 1000 people.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the historic place include:

- Twenty-four-foot red cedar pole
- Carved with the crests of the five Witsuwit'en clans