Welcome back: Totem pole raised during elementary school ceremony

At La Conner Elementary, it isn’t just back to school time for students and staff.

The iconic campus totem pole has also returned.

A large crowd gathered around the school’s parking circle last Wednesday to witness re-installation of its near quarter-century old signature landmark, which was refurbished over the summer by master carver and Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Senator Kevin Paul.

The project was especially meaningful for Paul, who had joined his late father and brother, Alex Paul, Sr. and Alex Paul, Jr., in carving the pole in the 1990s.

“They were a big part of putting this totem pole together,” Paul said after a special ceremony that marked the pole’s return to campus. “I wanted to keep their spirit alive and honor them.”

By all accounts he did just that.

As the newly repainted pole was secured in place by District Maintenance Director Brian Masonholder and Security Specialist John Aguilar, Paul was repeatedly praised for the beauty of his work.

“Kevin,” said La Conner alum Kim Good-Rubenstein, among townspeople in attendance, “you should be proud. You did a great job.”

Paul said it took about five weeks to repair effects on the cedar pole from more than 20 years of Pacific Northwest weather.

“Last year,” said Swinomish Education Director Michael Vendiola, during his remarks, “we realized it needed to be fixed up a bit so we took it down and Kevin fixed it.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Whitney Meissner last spring noted the significance of the elementary totem pole, pointing out that its restoration coincides with the centennial year of Swinomish students attending classes in La Conner.

She said then that the relationship between La Conner Schools and Swinomish Tribal Community was forged 35 years before the famed Brown v. Board of Education ruling that integrated the nation’s public schools.

Wednesday’s program was thus attended by numerous Swinomish leaders, including Tribal Senate Chair Brian Cladoosby.

“I’m glad you’re here to witness what’s happening here today,” Cladoosby said. “In our culture we value the witnessing of important events. On this occasion, you’re all witnesses to something very special and you’ll be able to remember this day for the rest of your lives.

“We want to thank the school for allowing this to happen, for allowing us to share a part of our culture,” he added.

The ceremony was bi-lingual as Lushootseed, the traditional native Coast Salish language, was spoken throughout.

“It’s important,” said Vendiola, “to acknowledge the language of this land.”

The colorful symbols on the totem pole serve as a bridge between all language groups and reflect values important to the entire La Conner Schools family, Paul and Vendiola said.

They said the bear on the pole represents the protection of students, the salmon stands for sharing knowledge and the eagle and its wings reflect guidance in the home of the La Conner Braves.

New La Conner Elementary Principal Heather Fakkema said she felt privileged to see the totem pole put back in place.

“This is a one-time event for those of us here,” she said, “which makes witnessing it so special.”

The Swinomish Canoe Family performed two songs at the ceremony, one being a tribute to La Conner High student Daniel Rapada, who has for several years waged a battle against the rare blood disorder aplastic anemia.

As the Canoe Family sang and drummed, a number of La Conner’s Swinomish students danced around the pole, the importance of which didn’t go unnoticed.

“It takes a lot of courage,” Vendiola said, “to dance in front of one’s peers. Sharing our culture in this way is a blessing from the tribe.”

All were agreed the pole will do more than stand in place. It will also provide teaching moments going forward, said Cladoosby.

“Its symbols all have meaning,” he said, “and hopefully you’ll be able to hear the stories about the symbolism of the pole.”