The final restored totem pole in a set of three will be raised outside of Sheldon High School on Tuesday, July 16, following a traditional blessing by George Barton, Miluk Coos edler.
The City of Eugene contacted the Indian Education Natives Program to help rehab three totem poles. Two of the totem poles, located on the south end of the Defazio Bridge and at Amazon Pool, were repaired and replaced in 2017. The third totem pole, originally located behind Sheldon Community Center, was too worn to repair and needed to be completely replaced.
Students of all ages from the Natives Program helped carve the totem pole from a 24-foot tall cedar tree.
In replacing the final totem pole, the City of Eugene and 4J School District are taking the opportunity to relocate it to a more prominent location near the school's entry sign. In Sheldon High School alone, there are an estimated 60 native tribes represented.
Sheldon Totem Pole Raising and Blessing
- When: Tuesday, July 16, 2019, 11 a.m.
- Where: Sheldon High School, 2455 Willakenzie Road, Eugene
- Who: City of Eugene, 4J School District and the Indian Education Natives Program
