First Nations win Stanley Park fight

Lower Mainland First Nations have won their long battle to be represented artistically at the totem poles in Stanley Park B.C.'s most visited tourism site.

The totem poles at the Brockton Visitor Centre were created by North Coast carvers, as the Coast Salish Nations in the Lower Mainland did not traditionally make totem poles.

Brockton totem poles in Stanley Park (Courtesy: Vancouver Park Board)

Now, internationally acclaimed First Nations artist Susan Point has been commissioned to carve archways in traditional Coast Salish style that will lead visitors to the totem poles.

• LINK: Susan Point

The idea came from the City of Vancouver's Aboriginal social planner Kamala Todd, who hopes it will lead to greater understanding.

"Having actual Coast Salish pieces here will help people get a sense that this city is actual indigenous land, as I shop here and drive my car here I am actually on ancient land."

Chief Ian Campbell, who is both Squamish and Musqueam, is pleased with the city's decision.

"Visible presence is a simple way of just being effective. I mean, just to show the local and the visitor alike that we're still here," he said.

The city hopes to have the new Coast Salish carvings in place by this fall.

• DEBRIEF: The Early Edition's Paul Grant speaks with CBC Radio reporter Dana Bales about the issue.