Nisga’a Lisims Government and UBC MOA, are pleased to announce the planned arrival of Wilps Laay’ Eagle – Halibut pts’aan

Press Release

New Aiyansh, British Columbia – Nisga’a Lisims Government is pleased to announce the repatriation of Wilps Laay’ Eagle-Halibut pts’aan. The pts’aan has been in the care of University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology (UBC MOA), originally replanned to the resurrection of Wilps Laay’ pts’aan, following completion of seismic upgrades to their Great Hall.

The pole has been housed inside the UBC MOA in Vancouver since 1947 when it was bought by anthropologist, Marius Barbeau. Susan Rowley, MOA director, says that although the pole was technically purchased, its important to consider the ethics of how museums acquire items.

2023, Director Susan Rowley (UBC MOA) met with Sim’oogit Laay’ (late Hubert Haldane) to discuss the plans for the pole. Upon the passing of the late Hubert Haldane, discussion continued with his brother Bruce Haldane, Sim’oogit Laay’, in which the message stayed consistent, the family wished to have their pts’aan returned and raised in Nisga’a Museum.

2024, MOA developed a preliminary project plan for the safe transport of the Eagle-Halibut pts’aan to a raised position at Nisga’a Museum, at which time, discussions began between Nisga’a Lisims Government, and MOA. 2025, on August 13°”, Nisga’a Lisims Government coordinated with UBC MOA, and Wlps Laay’, a cultural blessing ceremony, in preparation for the movement of the pts’aan home to it’s final resting place at the Nisga’a Museum in LaAgalts’ap B.C.

“With the return of the sacred pole of Wilps Laay’, we are inspired by the negotiations of our leaders and the staff of Museum of Anthropology. As we continue to see our historic pieces returned, our stories that come with the artifacts and poles revive, traditional carving is revitalized, and culture is strengthened. We are thankful for the reconciliation that continues with our friends across the world.” says Eva Clayton, President of the Nisga’a Nation.

MARK THE DATE: Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025, Venue: Nisga’a Museum, Time ceremony will start at 11:30 am.

About the Nisga’a Nation Museum
The Nisga’a Treaty, which came into effect on May 11, 2000, is the first modern treaty in British Columbia. Nisga’a Lisims Government commissioned the design of the Museum located in Laxgalts’ap, BC. The design of the building is inspired by traditional Nisga’a longhouse, feast dishes, and canoes, this sacred building is known as “Hli Goothl Wilp-Adokshl Nisga’a”, meaning “The Heart of Nisga’a House Crests,” celebrates and commemorates the importance of tribes, crests, and the spirit of our ancestors. Negotiators were successful in the return of over 300 artifacts and totem poles in repatriation back to the Nisga’a Museum.

Media contacts: Paul Mercer, Manager of Communications and Inter-Governmental Relations Nisga’a Lisims Government paulm@nisgaanation.ca (250) 633-3059

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