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Pole raisings in Old Massett Monday

The synchronicity of old and new will be a highlight of the Splash of Art pole raisings and pole repatriation on the north end of Haida Gwaii early next week.Six new poles, each about 10 feet high and carved by some of the islands up-and-coming carvers, will be raised in different locations staring at 10 am on Monday June 21, (Aboriginal Day). The first two, carved by Todd and Derek White will be raised on Highway 16 just before New Town. The poles will stand as a welcome to the Greater Massett area.At 12 pm, two poles carved by Jordan Seward and Cooper Wilson will be raised just past the Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital. The land is being acquired for an addition to the Old Massett reserve, said Vince Collison, and the band hopes to use it for a cultural centre in the future.At 2 pm, Vernon White's pole will be raised in front of the Old Massett Family Centre and at 3 pm, Tim Boyko's pole will go up in front of the Health Centre.The repatriation ceremony for the 140 year-old Jasper Raven Pole will take place at 4 pm in the lot besides the Old Massett Fire Hall and at 6 pm the Celebration feast begins at the Old Massett Community Hall. People are asked to bring their own bowls, plates and cutlery to the feast.