"Reverberations of the past appear in the symmetry of Wolf in the middle of the pole. Variations of this figure can be seen on poles from the early days through the present. In a more contemporary way, the roots at the base signify a deep connection to the past. On the chest of Eagle is Moon offering wisdom and guidance.

The present is honoured by Salmon swimming up stream. This ritual, carried out by many generations,illustrates the cycle of life. We return to where we have come from, to pass on what we have learned.

Atop the pole will be an Eagle, strong, self assured, majestic and proud. This expresses a positivefuture, one in which young leaders are learning from the elders, showing that the future is in goodhands.

The future is seen by Eagle and passed down through Wolf and the river to Frog. Frog teaches us thatthe future is a culmination of our collective experience. We break free from the bonds of our past whenwe are ready to both honour and leave it behind. If you look closely, you will see that Frog has taken his first step forward. This idea of moving into the future is also embodied by the flowing water, an element that is reflected in the angle of the Eagle’s wings, and the arch of the Wolf’s brow. Everythingis connected.

The pole itself is meant to represent the mountains. The river flows downthe mountain and wraps around the Frog near the base. Unseen from the front, the Sun is opposite the Moon, warming the Eagle’s back. The wings of the Eagle are designed to be his feathers and wings, but also a Cowichan blanket."