Jasper, Alberta — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)
Two Brothers Totem Pole 2011
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Mât totémique des Deux-Frères 2011
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 5, 2022
1. Two Brothers Totem Pole 2011 / Mât totémique des Deux-Frères 2011 Marker
When Jasper's Raven Totem Pole was repatriated to Haida Gwaii, a new totem pole was commissioned by Parks Canada to take its place. The 12 metre tall, Two Brothers Totem Pole was carved in Haida Gwaii. It tells a story of a journey long ago and of an unusual connection between the west coast islands of Haida Gwaii and the Rocky Mountains.
The Story of the Two Brothers
Two Haida brothers traveled from Haida Gwaii to the Rocky Mountains. After walking for some time one of the brothers found a spot that spoke to him. He remained in this area while his brother returned home. A long time passed and the man who had returned home began missing his brother. He decided to go back and look for him. At the place where the two had parted ways he saw a house. His brother had passed on years before but had passed his culture on to his daughter.
Illustrated figures
Many of the animals native to Jasper are found among Haida crests, and were chosen for the new totem pole. On the very top is a brother. The next figure is a raven. The raven's tail feathers hold the face of the niece. Next is a mountain goat. The other
this page online
Pulling Together
It takes a lot of people pulling together in many different ways to raise a totem pole. In 2011, Parks Canada, the Haida, regional Aboriginal groups and Jasper residents all pulled together to raise this pole in an historic celebration of Aboriginal history and culture.
[image captions]
• Totem Pole carving tools [Photographer Jack Litrell; Parks Canada]
• Drawing taken from the book “The Two Brothers - A Haida Story” [Artist Gwaai Edenshaw; Parks Canada]
• The raising of the Two Brothers Totem Pole, 16 July 2011 [Photographer Brenda Falvey; Parks Canada]
Lorsque le mât totémique du Corbeau de Jasper fut rapatrié à Haida Gwaii, Parcs Canada commanda une nouvelle sculpture pour le remplacer. Le mât totémique des Deux-Frères, une œuvre de 12 m de hauteur, fut sculpté à Haida Gwaii. Il raconte l'histoire d'un voyage effectué il y a longtemps et révèle des liens inhabituels qui unissent les Rocheuses et les îles de Haida Gwaii, sur la côte Ouest.
Le récit des deux frères
Deux frères haïdas quittèrent
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 5, 2022
2. Two Brothers Totem Pole 2011 / Mât totémique des Deux-Frères 2011 Marker
Les figures illustrées
Bon nombre d'animaux indigènes du parc national Jasper figurent parmi les emblèmes des Haïdas et sont intégrés au nouveau mât totémique. L'un des deux frères est assis au sommet du mât. La prochaine figure est celle du corbeau. Les plumes de la queue du corbeau soutiennent le visage de la nièce. La prochaine figure sera celle de la chèvre de montagne. L'autre frère repose entre les genoux de l'animal. La figure du bas sera celle d'un grizzli tenant une libellule dans ses griffes.
L'union fait la force
Il faut un grand nombre de personnes qui unissent leurs forces pour hisser un mât totémique.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 5, 2022
3. Two Brothers Totem Pole Artists
Two Brothers Totem Pole
Le mât totémique des Deux-Frères
Jasper National Park • 2011 • Parc National Jasper
carvers/sculpteurs
Jaalen Edenshaw
Gwaai Edenshaw
Haida / Haïda
[légendes d'images]
• Outils ayant servi à sculpter le mât totémique [Photographe Jack Litrell; Parcs Canada]
• Dessin tiré du livre « Les deux frères - Un récit haïda » [Artiste Gwaai Edenshaw; Parcs Canada]
• Élévation du mât totémique des Deux-Frères, le 16 juillet 2011 [Photographe Brenda Falvey; Parcs Canada]
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Landmarks. A significant historical year for this entry is 2011.
Location. 52° 52.632′ N, 118° 4.77′ W. Marker is in Jasper, Alberta. It is on Connaught Drive just north of Miette Avenue, on the right when traveling north. The marker is on the south side of the Two Brothers totem pole installed at this location in 2011. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 415 Connaught Drive, Jasper AB T0E 0A8, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally,
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 5, 2022
4. Two Brothers Totem Pole / Mât totémique des Deux-Frères
Some details of the bottom half of the totem pole. The bottom figure is a grizzly bear holding a dragonfly in its claws.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jasper's Raven Totem Pole 1915-2009 / Mât totémique du Corbeau de Jasper de 1915 à 2009 (here, next to this marker); Jasper Information Centre/Le centre d'information de Jasper (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Jasper National Park Information Centre (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Homesteaders / Les premiers homesteaders / Nistum Oota Ka Ki Weekichik (within shouting distance of this marker); A Lasting Legacy / Un legs durable / Aniskoonamakewin (within shouting distance of this marker); Memories of Home / Souvenirs d'un lieu de résidence / Weekiwawoo isitapatamook (within shouting distance of this marker); Gateway to a Community and a Park (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Jasper School District No. 3063/District scolaire 3063 de Jasper
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 5, 2022
5. Two Brothers Totem Pole 2011 / Mât totémique des Deux-Frères 2011 Marker
Looking east from Connaught Drive. This marker is on the south/right side of the totem pole.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 29, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
