Community Heritage Register

Walnut Park Totem Pole

Smithers, British Columbia

Built
2023
Recognized
2025
By
Local government

The register’s text, word for word

Description

The Walnut Park Totem Pole, erected in 2023, is located in the front of Walnut Park School (School District 54) in Smithers, British Columbia. The historic place is the totem pole structure.

Heritage value

The Walnut Park Totem Pole has historic value for its association with Witsuwit'en culture, history and as a symbol of reconciliation.

The Walnut Park Totem Pole stands as a symbol of the Smithers community's acknowledgement of Witsuwit'en territory and its commitment to honor the story of the land. This includes working towards reconciliation, equity and mutual respect, while addressing past mistakes.

Character‑defining elements

Key elements that define the heritage character of the Walnut Park Totem Pole:

  • Bear represents the territory that the pole sits on. The bear has two faces: bear and wolf.
  • On the back of the wolf-bear there is an open walnut with children climbing out of its centre.
  • Crests that show how the children grow and change into other creatures.
  • Depictions symbolizing as things grow they become wise until they reach the potential of an eagle: all knowing & all seeing.

End of the register’s text

Location

4092 Mountainview Ave, Smithers, British Columbia, Canada

54.78798° N, 127.17190° W

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Nearby

All 20 places in Smithers

Similar places

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From the Canadian Register of Historic Places, as last updated on December 12, 2025. The register’s text is shown word for word.