PORT ANGELES — A 14-foot totem pole made by a Port Angeles artist was unveiled to applause from about 50 people in attendance Saturday at The Landing mall.
The replica of Native American art made from a fallen cedar tree, called the Harmony Project, was blessed by Thomas Morning Dove of the Sauk and Fox tribe.
Morning Dove, a Port Angeles resident, was asked to bless the totem pole after about 30 traditional drummers and dancers from North Olympic Peninsula tribes expected to perform decided not to join the unveiling, said Kim Trenerry-Mogi, one of the event organizers.
Pat John, one of the drummers, said the issue for them was protocol.
John said they felt that the artist should have asked permission from the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe to erect a totem pole on its traditional land.
Tribal Chairwoman Frances Charles said she didn’t know enough of the situation to take a stance.
John is a member of the Ahousaht First Nation in British Columbia, but has lived with the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe for several years.
Landing owner Paul Cronauer said he was disappointed by their decision.
“I think it would have been great to have that component,” he said.
When describing the totem pole, the artist, M.L. “Ole” Olson said at the unveiling:
“It talks about . . . how we have a glorious past, how we have a great present, and a future for us all.”
It was unclear if he knew of the issue that the dancers and drummers had.
After unveiling the totem pole, Olson said that he hopes that such public displays of Native American art will lead to greater harmony between cultures.
“This is where it starts,” he said.
“It starts with one-on-one understanding of each other and what they do.”
Olson said he has studied Native American art for 15 years.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
