Totem pole damaged in thunderstorm to be moved from Assiniboine Park

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is taking down and repairing a totem pole damaged by a suspected lightning strike this summer.

A totem pole in a Winnipeg park that was damaged during a recent thunderstorm will be moved to a new location after a damage assessment is completed.

The Residential School Totem Pole was damaged during an August thunderstorm by a probable lightning strike. The Southern Chiefs’ Organization said Friday the totem will be removed from Assiniboine Park and put in storage, where it will be assessed by the carver Charles Joseph.

“We remain committed to preserving the totem pole and ensuring that its story continues to be shared in a meaningful and accessible way,” SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said.

The Totem Pole, which was 21 metres tall, was placed in Assiniboine Park on Sept. 30, 2022 to honour victims and survivors of the residential school system.

Chief Daniels said SCO and Joseph will take a fulsome look at the condition of the pole and determine the next steps for restoration.

Once it’s restored, it will be placed at Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn, the development at the former Hudson’s Bay Company building in downtown Winnipeg.

“Our goal is to ensure that the truths of our history are never forgotten and that reconciliation continues to be lived, not just spoken of,” Daniels said.

Daniels also gave a brief update on construction at the former Hudson’s Bay Company building, noting construction is progressing “steadily.” Major structural work and the installation of a tower crane happened earlier this year.