The Nisga’a Nation has marked a moment of history today as the Wilps Laay’ Eagle-Halibut pole returns to its home in Laxgalts’ap. The sacred pole has been housed at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC since 1947, when it was acquired by anthropologist Marius Barbeau.
For decades, the Nisga’a Nation has worked toward bringing their cultural treasures back to the Nass Valley. Negotiations began in 2023 between UBC’s Museum of Anthropology and Sim’oogit Laay’, Hubert Haldane. After his passing, discussions continued with his brother Bruce Haldane, who reaffirmed the family’s desire to see the pole repatriated.
In 2024, a plan was developed for the safe transport of the pole, leading to preparations earlier this summer. On August 13, the Nisga’a Lisims Government and UBC held a cultural blessing ceremony to ready the pole for its journey home.
The raising ceremony began at 11:30 am at the Nisga’a Museum. The event will be a celebration of Nisga’a heritage, cultural resilience, and reconciliation.
