Salford Totem Pole
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Posted by guest on 16th December 2009 at 04:52 PM
The ritual dance of the Totem Pole restorer (Part 2)
by Tony Flynn and Tom Rodgers

Kevin Cranmer has recieved a huge amount of press attention since flying over from the west coast of Canada to restore the totem pole.

Both Kevin and Councillor Steve Coen, who has been instrumental in getting this project up and running, should be rightly proud of what they have achieved.

Dressed in his traditional attire, Kevin here performs the tradition Yela K'wa Cleansing Chant to bless the restoration of the Salford Totem Pole.

You will also see footage of Canadian Indians performing the same ritual in their home country.

The potlatch, a traditional festival performed by the Kwakawka'wakw people, isa ceremony typified by elaborate and theatrical dances, which reflect the hosts' genealogy and cultural wealth they possess.

Kevin explains the origins of the ceremony, as well as his own involvement in the ritual.

As a totem pole restorer, Kevin's job is both to physically restore and maintain the cedar wood but also, and somewhat more importantly, to keep alive the traditions of his people, which stretch back over thousands of years.

Here he explains the hardships that his people faced when their traditional ways came into conflict with that of western colonisists.

There is a strong parallel between the lives of the Kwakawaka'wakw people and that of Salfordians; both have faced massive upheaval in the past few decades and are extremely proud of their heritage and the traditional values of family and community.

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by jerry ( member )  30th December 2009
Here's an idea - how about twinning Salford with the town in Canada where the tribe come from?

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  29th December 2009
" A start of a journey" does this mean that Cllr Coen will continue on this journey ie trips to Canada on fact finding trips, all paid out of the public purse!!Any chance of taking an old docker with you Mr Coen?. Steve Stuart

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  17th December 2009
The people of Salford are honoured to call the Kwakwaka'wakw people our freinds. This is the start of our journey and long may it continue Cllr Steve Coen

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  17th December 2009
Great work from Kevin, this is turning into a history lesson about the Canadian Indian culture as well as being about the Salford Totem Pole. Fascinating stuff.

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  17th December 2009
wow, uncle, this is so amazing - if you read this I hope you are having a ball restoring your uncle Doug's work......nice pole. I like the way he does the eyes on that pole, it looks awesome. to me they are sized in a unique way - very nice looking. ps- pick up a Manchester U jersey hey? :P

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  17th December 2009
I love it Kevin, great job your doing...you make me proud to be your friend..Mia Hunt

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by TomSO ( member )  17th December 2009
I love these comments from thousands of miles away (sorry Mike, I cheated and checked your IP address). British Columbia, you rule!

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  17th December 2009
thats so cool. good work kev., mike

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