First Nations Totem Pole Carver Arnie Jones

Arnie Jones was working on the totem pole for the Egmont Heritage Centre last week while a group of school children toured the museum.

Arnie explained his tools, the method, the wood and the meaning of the pole to the Pender Harbour Community School group which included 3 counsellors, 1 mom and 20 children.

The totem pole Arnie is carving is nearly half finished on the rough cuts. It will take great care and much time for him to finish it to be a major work of art for the Museum. There will be a very large gathering when the pole is erected and it will stand in welcome near the museum.

As the children toured the inside of the museum, I realized I had something in common with them to share. In Pender Harbour, the Madeira Park Elementary School celebrates Queen Victoria’s birthday each year with ‘May Day’ and most of the children all take part in the celebration which includes a May Queen and her attendants in the parade.

When I attended the Egmont Elementary School, I was always included in the Egmont May Day as an attendant – but never as a queen and we were also invited to take part in the Madeira Park May Day parade! One of my May Queen attendant dresses is featured in the Museum with a photo of me wearing it. My Mom always made me a beautiful dress to wear to May Day and she was particularly proud of this one and she preserved it carefully – 50 years ago!

As the children neared the area where my dress hangs I went to them to ask if I could share my story. The children could all relate to ‘May Day’ and seemed interested when I talked about it taking place 50 years ago and that I actually wore the dress.

The PHCS group enjoyed their morning, completing quiz questions on photos, exhibits and information contained in the museum displays, enjoying the interactive section and a small treat provided by the museum. The group made a nice donation to the Museum in thanks for the event which was much appreciated. Hopefully, word will get out on their very positive, enjoyable visit and more school groups will do the same.

The mask Arnie carved is absolutely beautiful. When Natasha Jamieson held it up to her face, someone flipped her hair over the forehead and it made an amazing picture. I love the bright green, red and black so sharply contrasting with the beautiful golden wood. Arnie will sell the mask for $500.00.