This documentary follows Haida artist Bill Reid, from British Columbia. A jeweller and wood carver, he works on a traditional Haida totem pole. We watch the gradual transformation of a bare cedar trunk into a richly carved pole to stand on the shores of the town of Skidegate, in the Queen Charlotte Islands of B.C.
This documentary follows Haida artist Bill Reid, from British Columbia. A jeweller and wood carver, he works on a traditional Haida totem pole. We watch the gradual transformation of a bare cedar trunk into a richly carved pole to stand on the shores of the town of Skidegate, in the Queen Charlotte Islands of B.C.
Ages 12 to 17
Indigenous Studies - Identity/Society
Students could research a history of the Haida in British Columbia, especially the art of carving totem poles from the cedars. What do these poles represent for the Haida people? Consider the skills that are involved in making woodcarvings, especially something of this magnitude. Does the fact that the carver uses electrical tools diminish the authenticity of his work?