James Madam Art

 The Smithers Secondary School Totem Pole project started in the fall of 1998. Bad incidents were happening between non-natives and first nation students. Racist writings were found in the boys washroom.

A commitee was started and they came up with an idea to create a totem pole as a friendly reminder to help stop racist acts. The "Bridging the Gap Project" as it became known, is a 24 foot totem pole carved from Red Cedar. Five Wetsuweten clans are represented: Bear, Killer whale, Beaver, and Big frog holding the Small Frog. It took 6 months to complete with Earl Muldoe, Master carver and Warner Naziel. Many others behind the scenes included Smithers Secondary faculty and the Wetsuweten Chiefs. A potlatch at the Smithers Civic Centre followed.

    In September 2011, James was hired to work and apprentice under carver Ron Austin Sr. on a totem pole for Northwest Community College, now known as Coast Mountain College.

This totem was made for the new larger campus building in Smithers BC. It is carved from red cedar and includes all five Wetsuet'en clans: Bear, Big Frog, Small Frog, Caribou, Beaver and Killer whale. It took just over six months to complete. Many local people helped carve the pole including Ron's son Ron Austin Jr.

The totem pole raising included the entire community of Smithers and was quite the sight to behold as the crowd gatherd and carried the pole to its final standing place in front of Coast Mountain College.

Ceremonial dancing and a potlach followed at the Dze L K'ant friendship center.