The word totem originated from the Ojibwe word odoodem, “his kinship group.”  These monumental sculptures, typically carved from Western Red Cedar, are simply breathtaking.

Victoria is home to Thunderbird Park where tourists have flocked for almost 60 years, to see these beautiful pieces of art towering high into the sky.  The rainforest environment of the Northwest Coast has caused many poles to decay.  This city is fortunate to have a display of this magnitude.

Please enjoy today’s blog filled with remarkable photos of poles galore!

Thunderbird Park

Thunderbird Park with the Fairmont Empress Hotel in the background