About
'Y'a̱lis
Honoring Resilience, Culture, and Community
The 'Na̱mǥis First Nation, located in 'Y'a̱lis (Alert Bay, BC), is home to a rich cultural heritage. However, it is also the site of the former St. Michael’s Indian Residential School, an institution designed to dismantle the Kwakwaka'wakw way of life. The lasting effects of this history have created deep intergenerational challenges. Yet, despite these hardships, the Kwakwaka'wakw people have remained steadfast in preserving their cultural values and traditions.
The Kwakwaka'wakw The World's Tallest Totem Pole is an initiative designed to unify all Kwakwaka'wakw Nations in a shared vision—building a monumental structure that symbolizes the strength, resilience, and sovereignty of the Kwakwaka'wakw people.
Need
Addressing an Urgent Community Need and building Allyship
This project aims to develop a structured approach to safely remove the existing pole and replace it with a new, monumental totem. Without immediate intervention, the community risks losing a cultural touchstone, and the world could witness another tragic loss of Indigenous heritage.
This will not happen alone. It will happen with the helping hands of many that come together to build this project.
This project also aims to serve the goals outlined on the UN Declaration of the the Rights of Indigenous Peoples UNDRIP and DRIPA and the TRC Calls to Action. It represents a bridge between the worlds of indigenous people to assist in building ally's and advocates from their non indigenous partners.
Impact
Mid-Term & Long-Term Impact
Job Creation: Over the next 2-3 years, this project is expected to generate more than 50 full-time, part-time, and seasonal jobs, supporting local artists, carvers, and construction workers.
Economic Growth: Sustainable tourism will replace reliance on resource extraction, leading to the expansion of existing businesses and the creation of new Indigenous-led enterprises.
Global Recognition: The new pole will stand as a cultural landmark, drawing international visitors and showcasing Kwakwaka’wakw heritage.
Growth
Revitalizing Culture & Economy in Alert Bay
For decades, Alert Bay’s economy has relied on resource industries and foreign-owned enterprises that have offered limited employment opportunities. Cultural tourism once flourished alongside small, locally owned businesses, but in recent years, many have shuttered.
Today, there is a renewed opportunity to grow sustainable tourism, one that embraces the region’s Indigenous values and cultural heritage.
Indigenext has incubated and supported eco-tourism businesses that celebrate these traditions. The Kwakwaka’wakw World's Tallest Totem Pole will further catalyze this movement, creating jobs, attracting visitors, and fostering a thriving cultural economy.
Partners and Sponsors
We would like to thank the organazations who have helped on our journey thus far:
This Project is a proud part of the INDIGENEXT Accelerator Network
