The Sampson Family

 

Image
Shiela Sampson
About The Community Member

This section was a combined effort on the part of:
Anthony Sampson Jr – LENECTET – Age 12 – Pacific Christian School – Grade 6 - Coast Salish (Songhees/Tsartlip – Nez Perce)
Aaliyah Sampson – TTASELWET – Age 11 – Pacific Christian School – Grade 6 - Coast Salish (Songhees/Tsartlip – Nez Perce)
Tom Sampson – TTASELEK - Coast Salish (Tsartlip) – Nez Perce

Under the Guidance of Sheila Sampson, Collections Assistant at the Royal BC Museum.

While researching the project, it wasn’t just about listening to the history. We actually went to visit the sites where some of the houses were. This gave us a better insight and understanding of our history culture. The grandchildren went to four of the language classes to receive a better understanding of how important the language is! This has been an inspiring project and a good learning lesson for us all!

Explore a curated selection of Royal BC Museum objects and contemporary photographs that inspire this community member to continue working in the tradition.

Additional Information:
Coast Salish through history did not have totem poles. They had house posts which identified families by who they were.  Symbolisms on the pole not only identified families, but also history for names, relations/family.  But also, the birthright for ceremonies.

Attached are photos of a site we visited in Halat, where houses stood and we discussed the history of the land; names, relations.  The meaning for Halat, is carving on the walls; which meant that everything that needed to be known was carved into the wall at the house, so members of the family would always have that as a reminder.

Totem poles are contemporary and they still have symbolism which tells a story/meaning of the pole.  Example:  Two totem poles were carved; one for New Zealand and the other for Victoria.  Delegation was sent to New Zealand for the raising of the poles which were raised simultaneously at the same time with it being televised.  This connects the two cities for the commonwealth games - sister cities.  One Pole was carved by C. August, which sits on the legislative lawns and he is from Cowichan Tribes and the other was carved by Tim Paul from the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation.

Sheila Sampson
Anthony Sampson Jr
Aaliyah Sampson

Image
Group of people at totem raising ceremony

It's what today's generation is doing. It is the new idea of the First Nation's people.

Image
Carvings and sign in front of a fence

The carvings:it's our culture, it's the way it is with the carvings inside of the bighouse.

Image
Man stands among a group of totem poles

There weren't poles like this in this new generation.

Image
Group of totems in a field

There outside is the marker for the bear, wolf, the lightning/thunderbird.

Image
Group of houses beside a beach

This is how our sacred beliefs are in our sacred ceremonies.

Image
Wall carvings lying on their side
It's where we are from. It's really where our identity with the carvings on the wall.
Image
House pole in front of three houses

Now today, they show the totems outside, not inside.

Image
Detailed view of a marker

"lt's the marker," my relatives told my great grandfather of Halalt.

Image
Group of totems and markers in front of houses

There are a lot totem pole markers that are outside.

Image
House pole in front of several houses

Everything was inside of our homes, the big house.