Gardens by the Bay Unveils B.C. Totem Pole in Singapore

On the morning of June 9th, 2025, the mist-filled Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay became the stage for a significant cultural milestone—the unveiling of a British Columbia-commissioned totem pole, a powerful representation of Indigenous artistry, environmental consciousness and the strengthening of ties between British Columbia (B.C.), Canada and Singapore. This moment also commemorated the 60th anniversary of Canada-Singapore relations, further reinforcing the deepening partnership between the two nations.

A Global Destination

As one of the largest garden projects of its kind in the world, Gardens by the Bay serves as an iconic urban oasis, attracting millions of visitors each year. The sprawling site consists of three distinct gardens—Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central—offering a unique leisure destination for both local and international guests. Since its inception in 2012, Gardens by the Bay has welcomed over 100 million visitors, with 9.4 million guests recorded in the past year alone.

The Cloud Forest, where the unveiling ceremony took place, is one of Gardens by the Bay’s most captivating galleries. As a cooled conservatory, it features the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, and a lush mountain adorned with some of the most exotic plant species from around the world. Visitors can immerse themselves in its misty atmosphere, which recreates the cool, moist conditions of temperate rainforests—a fitting setting for the totem pole.

A Celebration of Indigenous Craftsmanship

The newly installed totem pole, carved from western red cedar, stands as a profound tribute to Kwakwaka’wakw traditions, storytelling and environmental stewardship. It was crafted by Calvin Hunt, a world-renowned artist of the Kwagu’ł First Nation, which is the head tribe of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nations in British Columbia. The Kwakwaka’wakw people’s ancestral land spans the northeastern tip of Vancouver Island and surrounding inlets. With over 50 years of carving experience, Hunt has dedicated his life to preserving Indigenous narratives through woodwork, ensuring that each totem pole carries generations of knowledge and tradition.

Western red cedar, known as the “tree of life” to the Kwakwaka’wakw people, holds immense spiritual significance. Every part of the tree is used for practical and ceremonial purposes, from canoes and homes to masks and regalia. Trees selected for totem poles are honoured through a special ceremony before harvesting, recognizing their sacred role in carrying ancestral stories.

Totem poles serve as powerful visual storytellers, communicating lineage and cultural narratives through meticulously carved figures. This totem pole features:

• Thunderbird – The strongest of all spirits, a protector and symbol of transformation.
• Sisiutl – A double-headed sea serpent representing strength, protection and change.
• Chief – Symbolizing Kwakwaka’wakw warriors and leadership.
• Bear holding halibut – Representing respect for forest beings and abundance from the sea.

B.C.’s Environmental Stewardship

Beyond its cultural significance, the totem pole underscores a shared ethos of conservation across different cultures and ecosystems. As forests worldwide face mounting threats from climate change, deforestation and habitat destruction, totem poles offer a tangible connection between Indigenous wisdom and contemporary environmental efforts. This installation highlights the importance of sustaining natural landscapes.

Recognizing the vital link between Indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices, the landscape surrounding the totem pole will be enhanced with native plants from British Columbia, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the diverse ecosystem of Canada’s Pacific Northwest. This careful curation showcases B.C.’s rich biodiversity, reinforcing the global importance of Indigenous wisdom in guiding conservation efforts.

Strengthening Trade Ties Between B.C. and Singapore

The unveiling ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the High Commissioner of Canada in Singapore, senior representatives from Gardens by the Bay, staff from the High Commission of Canada and the Managing Director of the B.C. ASEAN Office. As discussions on expanding the event to include members of Singapore’s Canadian community continued, excitement surrounding the installation grew.

Since 2020, B.C. has maintained a Trade and Investment Representative (TIR) within the High Commission of Canada in Singapore, strengthening its ties with ASEAN markets, including Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Singapore remains a vital trade partner for B.C., with active exchanges in industries such as agri-food, ICT, maritime and aerospace. Likewise, Singaporean investors continue to contribute to B.C.’s infrastructure, ICT, cleantech, deep tech and clean energy sectors.

Beyond trade, the B.C. ASEAN Office has facilitated numerous high-profile engagements, including participation in the AsiaTechX Singapore ICT trade show, the Premier’s mission to Malaysia, an ASEAN delegation to Web Summit Vancouver and the Team Canada Trade Mission to Thailand. The unveiling of the totem pole serves as a cultural extension of these initiatives, further solidifying the multifaceted relationship between B.C. and Singapore.

Cultural and Environmental Legacy

Standing proudly in the Cloud Forest, the totem pole now serves as both a cultural beacon and an environmental statement. As visitors walk past this stunning creation, they are invited to reflect on B.C.’s Indigenous traditions, global conservation and the shared responsibility of safeguarding natural ecosystems for future generations.

This commission represents a lifelong dedication to storytelling through wood carving. The intricate designs transcend geographical boundaries, fostering meaningful conversations about Indigenous heritage, craftsmanship and environmental consciousness.

This installation stands not only as a work of art but as a tribute to reconciliation, sustainability and cross-cultural collaboration. As B.C. and Singapore continue to strengthen their diplomatic and cultural ties, the presence of this totem pole remains a powerful reminder that artistic expression and environmental stewardship are essential pillars in shaping a more connected and responsible world.

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