Talking Totems – Sechelt Edition
Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Tsain-Ko Gift Shop – 5545 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Sechelt
Meeting Point: In front of the shop by the statue
Max Capacity: 20 guests
Admission: Complimentary (Registration required)
This special tour is offered as part of syíyaya Days; a community celebration rooted in truth-telling, unity, and relationship-building between Indigenous and settler communities on the Sunshine Coast. Join us in Sechelt’s cultural heart, where Cultural Land Ambassadors will lead a meaningful walk focused on the sacred meaning and history of totem poles. These carved figures are more than art; they are living story-holders, rooted in lineage, spirit, and land since time immemorial. Through this guided tour, guests are invited to witness the stories these poles carry and to walk together in shared understanding.
Talking Totems is a guided experience that delves into the history, artistry, and deep cultural significance of totem poles. You’ll learn about the Nations, stories, and ancestral lineages represented in each carving, and reflect on how these sacred symbols continue to hold space for Indigenous communities today.
This is not just a tour; it’s a chance to witness the voices held in wood and the living knowledge passed down across generations.
What to Bring:
Weather-appropriate clothing
Comfortable walking shoes
A water bottle
Curiosity and respect
Waivers:
Waivers will be available onsite prior to the event. Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign in and get settled.
This complimentary tour is presented as a community offering by Talaysay Tours in partnership with the syíyaya Reconciliation Movement, the District of Sechelt, and the shíshálh Nation.
