Broadmead totem celebrates military legacy

Calvin Hunt, Master Carver, with family and friends at the 20th Anniversary re-dedication of the Veterans Memorial totem pole at Veterans Memorial Lodge. Photos provided.

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer — For years, the legacy of Indigenous veterans has permeated one Victoria long-term care home in the shape of a majestic totem pole over the main entrance.

On Apr. 26, staff and residents at Veterans Memorial Lodge, together with members of the Tsawout First Nation of Saanich, commemorated the 20^th anniversary of the totem pole created with the help of Indigenous artist Calvin Hunt.

Approximately 120,000 Indigenous, Métis and Inuit people served in the Canadian Armed Forces in major military conflicts of the 20th Century. The totem reflects this legacy, says Derrick Bernardo, Broadmead Care President and CEO.

“We were honoured by the opportunity to spend time with Eric Pelkey, and Calvin Hunt who, along with his family and friends, took time out of their busy lives to travel to help commemorate the 20th anniversary of the totem pole.  We appreciated the openness with which they shared their culture with us, and were glad for the chance to learn more about the totem pole and its history.  Indigenous veterans sacrificed much for Canada, and it is our privilege and honour to be the custodians of such a monument to their service,” said Bernardo.

The ceremony included stories about Indigenous veterans from the First World War to present day. Also attending the ceremony was Eric Pelkey, the WSÁNEĆ Leadership Council’s Community Engagement Coordinator and Hereditary Chief of Tsawout First Nation.

Hunt, a master carver from Port Hardy and a member of the Kwakiutl First Nation. He created the totem pole in 2002 along with artists Mervin Child and John Livingston. The pole was unveiled in 2003 and depicts contributions and sacrifices made by Indigenous veterans.

“There are certain elements that represent the unifying symbolism of various animals and legends which I follow through the knowledge and teachings of my Chiefs, Elders and artists,” Hunt says.

Hunt follows the traditional Northwest Coast Kwagu’l style of carving and work with red cedar to carve totem poles, masks and dance outfits to celebrate Kwakwaka’wakw culture of northern Vancouver Island.

“As I work within the traditional Northwest Coast Kwagul’l style, I am reminded of the diversity, spirituality, transformation and meaning of our Kwakwaka’Wakw culture,” says Hunt about his artwork.

Broadmead Care also unveiled a digital rendition of the totem pole, preserving the beauty of Hunt’s artwork for future generations. The rendition is part of a veteran-founded software company titled Memory Anchor, funded by Veterans Affairs Canada. It is dedicated to the long-term digital preservation of monuments, memorials, vehicles, and artifacts. Memory Anchor produces high-resolution 3D images that are accessible via computer or smartphone, in augmented reality.

Broadmead Care, a non-profit organization, has five locations in the Victoria area, including Veterans Memorial Lodge in Saanich. Broadmead offers long-term care and programs for people who require assistance every day.

The design features:

• An eagle at the top, symbolizing nobility, integrity and heavenly pride;
• A warrior wrapped in a blanket and a double-headed serpent which protects him from his enemies;
• The bear at the bottom represents a fearless strong and determined spirit. The bear holds a salmon which symbolizes the long journey and return home.

Veterans Memorial Lodge Métis resident Rolland Bremner receives the gift of a painting commissioned from Port Alberni artist Andrew Bartley along with Eric Palkey (the WSÁNEĆ Leadership Council’s Community Engagement Coordinator and Hereditary Chief of Tsawout First Nation), Janet Power (Director, Veterans Memorial Lodge), and Calvin Hunt (Master Carver, Northwest Coast Kwakwaka’wakw Totem Pole Artist).