The Making of a Haida Totem Pole

Directed and produced by Kelvin Redvers
16:30 • 2007 • closed captioned
Available on DVD and VHS

“Totem poles do not have to be red and black, just because they were done that way 200 years ago.” — Don Yeomans

Totem poles have been made for many centuries. Don Yeomans is a contemporary Haida carver who was commissioned by the Vancouver Airport Art Foundation to make two 40 foot totem poles for the building linking domestic and international terminals at YVR. The poles are a mix of unique color, tradition and cultures. Métis filmmaker Kelvin Redvers portrays the making of these unique poles–from log to installation–and provides insight into the carver’s creative process, his relationship with family and culture, and his philosophy about art and tradition.