Totem pole with ‘significant’ value to kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation stolen, say police

A totem pole with “significant” sentimental and cultural value was stolen from the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation in the fall in a U-Haul, according to Coquitlam RCMP.

Police are investigating the Oct. 12 theft from behind the Kwikwetlem Band office on Colony Farm Road. Surveillance footage captured a suspect loading it into a truck before driving away, police said in a Monday news release.

The red cedar structure stood about three feet tall and had a carved owl on the top.

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“The theft of the totem pole from the Kwikwetlem First Nation’s land is a significant loss for the community,” Cpl. Alexa Hodgins said in the release.

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The suspect is described as a man with a medium, athletic build who wore a dark hoodie, dark pants and dark shoes. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact RCMP at 604-945-1550.

Global News has reached out to kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation for comment on this story.

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