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.
“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.
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.