The next time you are passing by the RCMP building in Daajing Giids Queen Charlotte, take a moment to really look at the new installation in front of the detachment. Standing eight foot tall and resplendent in a Stetson hat and pink nails, the pole represents a vision twenty years in the making. The fact that the pole stands on the RCMP lawn is testament to the dedicated work of a strong Haida woman, Bev Yovanovich, Detachment Clerk and Office Manager, who has worked for the RCMP for twenty-five years.

Bev’s vision was to have an installation that would be a reflection of the Haida Nation, Haida culture, and an acknowledgement that the detachment sits on the unceded territory of the Haida First Nation.

Twenty years ago, Bev began sharing her vision and gathering people together to discuss and support the project. Twelve years ago, the project was still in the early stages with the funding proposal being headed by Sgt. Willcocks. The project turned into a huge learning process, as it would be the first time anything like this had previously been proposed. Funding approval was received in late 2020.

The planning of the actual pole design began in 2015. Brother-in-law Jason Goetzinger helped Bev to envision what elements the pole needed to capture. In her own words, “The Totem is to be a strong visual and tangible step in the spirit of reconciliation. This is a way to acknowledge and apologize publicly for past mistakes and involvement by the RCMP during dark pieces of our Canadian History. It is also a promise to do better.” After the design plan, Haida Master Carver Garner Moody was asked to make the vision a reality, and he did an amazing job transforming the sketch into such a stunning pole.

Billy WNCY Yovanovich Jr., who ten years ago won the contest to design an RCMP logo for their Haida Gwaii vehicles and welcome sign, painted the copper shield on the pole. The shield is a supernatural being with its tongue out and two goggles on its chest, depicting speaking and watching out over the Raven and Eagle, similar to the role of the RCMP. The Raven and Eagle design represents and symbolizes all of the Haida clans and people. The copper shield symbolizes the RCMP role and badge. The Watchman holding the shield has been a protector and guardian since time began, watching out over the land, sea, air and the people of Haida Gwaii, again reflecting the current role of the RCMP.

Instead of a west coast style cedar hat, Master Carver Garner Moody decided on a Stetson, the iconic brown felt RCMP hat, to reflect where the pole was to be installed. The result is a culturally-appropriate fusion of Haida design and RCMP uniform. The pole is non-gender, has long hair and pink nails to represent inclusivity regardless of sexual orientation, place of origin or culture, and is also to acknowledge both male and female members of the force and staff.

On September 9, 2021, the first pole ever to be raised on RCMP premises, in partnership and agreement with the Council of the Haida Nation and the Skidegate Band Council, was placed on an existing beam in front of the RCMP building. Before being placed there, the pole was blessed and traditional songs were sung by the Hitaaxuulang Gud ad K’aajuu Friends Together Singing, and the Sgaana Dance performed by Xaahuujuuwaay Cody Wilson. The celebration marked a clear message to honour and acknowledge the Indigenous population here on Haida Gwaii. Swelling the ranks of local officers in red serge were, among others, several members of the West Coast Marine RCMP in their “boots and breaches” uniforms and Stetsons. And Assistant Commissioner of the RCMP for British Columbia, Eric Stubbs, formerly the local Sergeant, returned to Haida Gwaii after sixteen years to take part in the ceremony.

During the ceremony, there was another first. The flag of the Haida Nation was installed with the Canadian flag. After the ceremony, cedar seedlings were given away in hopes recipients would plant them to replace the tree utilized for the totem. Seedlings were donated by Christina Lavoie of Western Forest Products.

Bev, who is a member of the T’saahl Eagle Clan, acknowl-edges with much gratitude, appreciation and thanks: the Council of the Haida Nation, the Skidegate Band Council, the Haida Artists, BC RCMP, local detachment members Sgt. Greg Willcocks, Cpl Erin Stevenson, Cst Viktor Rau, Cst Chris Carlucci, Cst Derek Murray, Cst Erin Willcocks, members who were previously posted here and greatly assisted in this historical event S/Sgt Scott Hromadnik, S/Sgt Terry Gillespie, and Cst Dale Judd, Indigenous Policing Services, Village of Queen Charlotte, and many community members. The historic event would not have been possible without the support, partnership and agreement of all parties.

Later there will be a plaque and uplighting added for the pole. Naming of the pole is ongoing in consultations with Haida Elders.

Final words go to Bev. “I feel it is important that our detachment building and grounds be a reflection of the local Haida culture and communities we serve. I also believe this to be true of any detachment, wherever it may be. In our efforts to accomplish this, the foyer now has painted Haida panels reminiscent of a longhouse frontal entry, and a Haida carved and painted welcome sign in both Haida and English has been installed in the garden. The Haida Nation flag has been raised next to the Canadian flag, and we now have the beautiful Totem Pole to greet you. A pole that has been designed and carved to represent both the Haida and the RCMP. We are slowly changing the look and feel of the detachment and hope that everyone, especially members of the Haida Nation, people of Indigenous ances-try, and the LGBTQ2S+ community feel welcome and safe to attend this space.”