Central Vancouver in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)
Ga'akstalas
Photographed By Adam Margolis, October 9, 2023
1. Ga'akstalas Marker
Inscription.
GA'AKSTALAS, CARVED BY WAYNE ALFRED AND BEAU DICK IN 1991, is based on a design by Russell Smith. The pole depicts many important figures in Kwakwaka'wakw culture. Red Cedar-bark Man is an ancestor who survived the great flood and gave the people the first canoe. The hero Siwidi, shown riding a killer whale, was taken under the sea to the home of the sea-world's chief and brought back the right to use all of the sea-kingdom masks. The giantess dzunukwa sits at the base of the pole, symbolizing her central role in bringing magic and wealth to her people. "We wanted this pole to be a beacon of strength for our young people and show respect for our elders. It is to all our people who have made contributions to our culture.
GA'AKSTALAS, CARVED BY WAYNE ALFRED AND BEAU DICK IN 1991, is based on a design by Russell Smith. The pole depicts many important figures in Kwakwaka'wakw culture. Red Cedar-bark Man is an ancestor who survived the great flood and gave the people the first canoe. The hero Siwidi, shown riding a killer whale, was taken under the sea to the home of the sea-world's chief and brought back the right to use all of the sea-kingdom masks. The giantess dzunukwa sits at the base of the pole, symbolizing her central role in bringing magic and wealth to her people. "We wanted this pole to be a beacon of strength for our young people and show respect for our elders. It is to all our people who have made contributions to our culture.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1991.
Location. 49° 17.946′ N, 123° 7.262′ W. Marker is in Vancouver, British Columbia, in Metro Vancouver. It is in Central Vancouver. Marker is on Brockton Point Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1501 Brockton Point Trail, Vancouver BC V6G 3E2, Canada. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. The marker and poles are located in Stanley Park by Brockton Point.
Photographed By Adam Margolis, October 9, 2023
2. Ga'akstalas Marker
Photographed By Adam Margolis, October 9, 2023
3. Ga'akstalas Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 44 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 14, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
