Totem: The Return of the G'psgolox Pole

Totem: The Return of the G'psgolox Pole is a powerful 2003 documentary that expertly blends cultural history, personal narrative, and contemporary politics to tell a compelling story about indigenous rights and cultural restoration.

The film, directed by Gil Cardinal, shines a spotlight on the usually neglected corners of North American history, and gives voice to the Indigenous communities whose cultural heritage has often been taken advantage of or neglected. It further delves into the controversy of indigenous artifacts displayed in Western museums and the ongoing struggle for the recognition of indigenous rights across the globe.

At the heart of the documentary is the journey of the monumental G'psgolox pole, a priceless totem pole that was carved in remembrance of a Haisla chieftain. The Haisla are an indigenous community living in the Kitamaat village area of British Columbia, Canada.

Believed to have possibly been stolen or sold under suspect circumstances from traditional Haisla territories, the G'psgolox Pole ended up in Stockholm, Sweden. Unique and rich in symbolism, the totem pole was, for the Swedish, a distant representation of the wild, dazzling North America: but for the Haisla people, it carried the weight of their history, culture, and collective voice.

The film chronicles the struggle of the Haisla community, led by their spokesperson, Louisa Smith, to reclaim this significant cultural artifact from the Museum of Ethnography in Sweden. The G'psgolox pole, the Haisla believe, is not merely an artifact or a symbol of their rich heritage, but a fundamental part of their living culture, housing the spirit of the deceased chieftain, that needs to be respected and maintained in its rightful place.

Smith's passionate advocacy, determination, and patience are narrated throughout the documentary as she negotiates with the museum and Swedish authorities, unflagging in her pursuit to reclaim the stolen piece of Haisla culture.

The negotiations tug at the complex threads of international law, human rights, cultural appropriation, and colonial history. They raise many profound questions: Who owns culture? Can one place a monetary value on such a significant cultural artifact? How can the damage wrought by colonial exploitation be repaired in modern times?

At the same time, the film captures the experiences, thoughts, and feelings of people from both sides of the negotiation table. The Swedish museum, in its own way, sees itself as a keeper of world culture, incorporating indigenous history into European narrative lines, and is initially nervous of setting a precedent that could empty its exhibition halls. Yet underneath, there is also recognition of the painful historic truth behind many such artifacts and increasing pressure to reconcile with it.

Meanwhile, the documentary offers a vivid portrait of the Haisla community their traditions, religious beliefs, attachment to the land, and their systemic experiences with colonialism. The G'psgolox pole serves as a symbol of their resilience, strength, and inherent dignity.

Visualizing the emotional journey of the Haisla people, Totem: The Return of the G'psgolox Pole also showcases the scenic beauty of British Columbia. The cinematography accentuates the spiritual bond between the Haisla people and their environment, creating strong emotional parallels with their fight to reclaim their lost cultural heritage.

In essence, Totem: The Return of the G'psgolox Pole is a documentary that ties together personal and collective histories, political upheaval, and cultural survival. It is an evocative commentary on the enduring influence of colonialism, the importance of preserving ancestral heritage, and the pursuit of justice and reconciliation.

The film stands as a testament to the power of cultural identity. It is an essential watch for those wanting to understand cultural heritage's significance to indigenous communities, the complexities of colonization, and the long, arduous road to reclaiming stolen cultural property. It's a complex tale of dignity, history, politics, and above all, the spirit of a people unwilling to forget their past.