On Dec. 5, the We Wai Kai Nation and Finning Canada unveiled a 24‑foot cedar totem at Quinsam Crossing near Campbell River — the first to stand on the Nation’s industrial lands— a milestone they call historic in their partnership and a significant step in cultural and economic reconciliation.
The pole, carved by master carver Max Chickite with help from his daughter Jessica and apprentice Brent Smith, depicts an eagle, whale and bear to honour the power of sky, ocean and land.
Chickite began carving the pole in May 2025.
“Totem poles tell a story of the people they represent,” Chickite said. “This pole will stand as a reminder that our culture is not something from the past. It’s alive, it’s powerful and it belongs here on our land.”
Members of Finning’s Campbell River branch helped paint the pole — part of an effort to include company staff in the unveiling.
The unveiling ceremony, attended by We Wai Kai members and Finning employees, was described by Ronnie Chickite, chief of the We Wai Kai Nation, as “a proud expression of our cultural identity and enduring connection to these lands.” He said it may be the first totem pole ever raised at Quinsam Crossing, near Finning’s Campbell River site at 700 Osprey Ave.
Finning, a supplier and seller of heavy equipment and parts for construction, mining, forestry and industrial sectors, became the first commercial tenant in the We Wai Kai Nation’s industrial‑development area at Quinsam Crossing.
