The new story pole on Henry Island shares one man’s expression of his love for his daughter. This magnificent cedar carving is her legacy as well as a generous gift for others on McCraken Point to enjoy for years to come.

Chief Bill Cranmer declared this a story pole at the beginning of the blessings, which is to say that it does not claim territory for the Kwagiulth. It shares their stories and honors the following creatures; Whale, Salmon, Raven, Eagle, Seal, Sea Lion and Hummingbird.

These are the creatures that are laying claim to this particular part of the Salish Sea. This land belonged to them long before we arrived.

There are currently six Salish groups that share heritage here in the San Juan Islands and have claims to similar territory. The Lummi, Swinomish, Saanich, Samish, Sooke and Songhee all spent time here and claimed territory in the San Juan Islands.

They all had different names for this land, as evidenced by the Lummi name for this navigational point, which was Petpibwelhelh. According to current Lummi Chief, Tsi’li’xw (Bill James), this name would translate into our language to mean “Of this Land.”

This name was given to the owners of the property it now stands on before the project began. It seems clear that their intention is to represent the creatures of this point. It is a call to honor the environment it watches over.

Lee Brooks

Friday Harbor