A wooden carving with sentimental and cultural significance has gone missing from the offices of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation.
Coquitlam RCMP are investigating the theft that happened on Oct. 12 when someone stole a three-foot high carved wooden pole from the Kwikwetlem office.
The artifact was stolen from the offices located at 10-65 Colony Farm Rd. in Coquitlam and loaded into a U-Haul, according to a surveillance video taken at the scene.
The carving had been on display at the back of the band office and has significant sentimental and cultural value to the community, according to the Coquitlam RCMP.
The carving — or house post or totem pole — can be described as:
- 3' tall
- made of solid wood, red cedar
- with a carved owl on the top
The suspect can be described as:
- male
- medium
- athletic build and wearing
- dark shoes
- dark jeans or work pants
- dark hoodie sweatshirt
- no gloves
The theft of the totem pole from the Kwikwetlem First Nations land is a significant loss for the community,
said media relations officer Cpl. Alexa Hodgins in a press release.
A meticulous investigation is being executed as we understand the sentimental and cultural loss felt by the Kwikwetlem First Nations.
Anyone who has any information, witnessed this incident or may have video footage is asked to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550, and quote file number 2022-27539.
