Image: M. Vanden Bosch / PML / There will be a totem pole rededication ceremony this Tuesday, Sept. 20 at Cultus Lake Park Board in memory of the late Chief Richard Malloway of Chilliwack. Chief Malloway was 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Totem pole

Totem pole in memory of the late Chief Richard Malloway to be rededicated this week at Cultus Lake

Sep 18, 2022 | 6:05 AM

CHILLIWACK — The late Richard Malloway was a trailblazing pioneer in every sense of the word.

Chief Richard “Th’eláchiyatel” Malloway lived his lifetime as a dairy farmer in the Sardis district with his wife and seven children. He was one of the few Indigenous members of the Fraser Valley Milk Producer’s Association and was active in organizing the Cultus Lake Indian Festival for over 13 years, according to biographical information shared by Amanda Nadeau, communications, media and event coordinator for the Cultus Lake Park Board.

Chief Malloway was recognized by the Indian Agent in 1956, appointing him Chief of the Yakweakwioose Band where he remained for 40 years. He was a descendant of the four original ancestors of the Chilliwack people and was a spokesperson and leader for his people. His advocacy work led to improvements for houses on reserves and the inclusion of Indigenous peoples in municipal works crews. In 1970, the Chilliwack and District Chamber of Commerce honored Chief Richard Malloway as the Citizen to the Recognized.

This Tuesday, September 20, dignitaries will gather at the Cultus Lake Park Board office to rededicate a totem pole in Chief Malloway’s beloved memory.

Image: Courtesy of Yeqwyeqwí:ws – Stó:lō Xwexwilmexw Treaty Association / There will be a totem pole rededication ceremony this Tuesday, Sept. 20 in memory of the late Chief Richard Malloway.

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The totem pole to be rededicated in Chief Malloway’s memory was a collaboration between First Nations, the park board, which included the approval of tree removal, location, and foundation for the totem pole, and Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack, which transported the pole.

A 1992 cedar tree was selected within the park for carving. Dr. Francis Horne Sr. carved the totem in Duncan, B.C.

The four carvings, from top to bottom, represent the late Chief Malloway, Cultus Lake Park Board and Mother Nature, and Chief Malloway as a family man, and strength and power, according to Nadeau.

Horne is a self-taught, world renowned master carver from Coast Salish. He has been carving totem poles for over 50 years and has worked with Native Northwest, an artist platform comprised of 100 per cent Indigenous artwork, for over 11 years. Horne was recognized with an honorary Doctor of Letters degree at the University of the Fraser Valley in 2019 for his lifelong commitment to helping and healing others within his community. His exceptional craftsmanship and artistry has been featured in a range of top Vancouver galleries since his professional career started almost 50 years ago.

Back in February 2022, Cultus Lake Park staff and contracted crews worked together this morning, to carefully remove the totem pole dedicated to the late Chief Richard Malloway. The Cultus Lake Park Board approved the restoration of the historic landmark in January 2022.

Image: Supplied by Cultus Lake Park Board / Park board staff and contracted crews carefully removed the totem pole earlier this year so that it could be fully restored to its original condition thanks to the gifted craftsmanship of Coast Salish master carver, Francis Horne Sr.

Mr. Francis Horne, the original carver of the totem pole, has since worked to restore its detail and vibrancy for a period of at least six months.