We have a new totem pole installation at the front entryway to Fernald Labs! The carving of this totem is attributed to Wilson Williams, a noted Nuu-chah-nulth (formerly referred to as Nootka) carver who lived on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Many of the Williams family are carvers today. Wilson carved poles for Ye Olde Curiosity Shop on the waterfront in Seattle. Although we do not have direct evidence, a former Curator of Northwest Coast Indian Art at Seattle Art Museum attributed the carving to Mr. Williams, with an estimated date of 1920-1930.The carving and its artist are not traditionally/culturally from the San Juan Islands. The totem is not representing or claiming territory for any tribe, culture, or people; rather, it is on display for its remarkable artistry and craftsmanship.
How the totem got to FHL: Dr. Eugene Nester (UW Emeritus Professor of Microbiology) purchased the pole in Seattle from Darrel Norman, a Blackfeet artist. Mr. Norman was moving to a new house that would not accommodate the pole. He told Dr. Nester that the pole was owned by David Tobias, owner of the Seattle Tent and Awning Company. Mr. Tobias built a resort near Mt. Rainier where the pole was displayed. It then went to his daughter, who owned it for many years. She wanted to will it to the Burke Museum, but the Museum already had similar examples. As a consequence, Darrel Norman got it, and eventually sold it to Dr. Nester. Eugene Nester has spent many productive hours at the Whiteley Center at FHL and served for years on the Whiteley Administrative Committee. He knew that the totem would be a beautiful and appreciated gift to our facility, and generously donated it in Fall 2022.
FHL Land and Waters Acknowledgement Statement:
We acknowledge that we work and live on the traditional homelands of the Coast Salish peoples. The University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Laboratories acknowledge the Coast Salish peoples of this land where we teach, research, and learn- the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes within the Lhaq’temish (Lummi), Lekwungen (Songhees), Swinomish, Semiahmoo, Samish, T’sou-ke, WSÁNEĆ, and Jamestown S’Klallam, and we pledge support for Coast Salish peoples of our community and seek meaningful connections to protect our shared environment.
You can read the full version of our FHL Lands and Waters Acknowledgment Statement here https://fhl.uw.edu/about/diversity-equity-inclusion/fhl-land-and-waters-acknowledgement/