The Eagle Pole was the first pole commissioned for the City of Duncan’s Totem Pole collection (note PDF) for the City of Totems program (note PDF). The pole was carved and raised in 1986 by carver Francis Horne, Sr.

It is 3.9m (12’9″) in height and stands in Lois Lane, just off Canada Avenue in downtown Duncan.

Eagle Pole, Lois Lane, off Canada Avenue, Duncan, B.C.
Eagle Pole, Lois Lane, off Canada Avenue, Duncan, B.C.

Carver Francis Horne, Sr. explains the meaning of the pole as:

“The Eagle for the Horne family represents freedom of spirit. The face on the chest represents the spirit of the Eagle.

The Beaver was chosen as it represents the builder. The Chief’s face on the Beaver tail represents the people of the community, the Quw’utsun’ people.”

Eagle Pole, Lois Lane, off Canada Avenue, Duncan, B.C. Eagle figure
Eagle Pole, Lois Lane, off Canada Avenue, Duncan, B.C. Eagle figure

The face on the Eagle’s chest represents the spirit of the Eagle.

Eagle Pole, Canada Avenue, Duncan, B.C. Wing detail
Eagle Pole, Canada Avenue, Duncan, B.C., Eagle Wing detail
Eagle Pole, Lois Lane, off Canada Avenue, Duncan, B.C. Beaver figure
Eagle Pole, Lois Lane, off Canada Avenue, Duncan, B.C. Beaver figure

Carver Francis Horne, Sr. says he chose the Beaver for the pole because the Beaver represents the builder. The Chief’s face on the Beaver tail represents the people of the community.

Eagle Pole, Lois Lane, off Canada Avenue, Duncan, B.C. Beaver figure
Eagle Pole, Lois Lane, off Canada Avenue, Duncan, B.C. Beaver figure
Eagle Pole, Lois Lane, off Canada Avenue, Duncan, B.C. Chief figure
Eagle Pole, Lois Lane, off Canada Avenue, Duncan, B.C. Chief figure

Carver Francis Horne, Sr. says the Chief’s face on the Beaver tail represents the people of the community.