This poem, Tribute, is in response to the totem pole, or Čiinuł, raised in Tofino by Tla-o-qui-aht carver, Joe David on September 7, 2018. The pole reminds all people to respect the Tla-o-qui-aht Hawiił, (hereditary chiefs) whose immaculate stewardship of these lands and waters is the embodiment of responsible leadership. The beautiful teaching of hishuk ish tsawalk (everything is one) and the value of stewardship were my inspirations for this.
I was honoured to present this poem at the celebration following the pole raising.
