The Peaceful Boundaries pole was carved in 1988 by Norman John. It stands 4.0m (13’1″) in height and is displayed outside the B.C. Provincial Courthouse on Government Street, near Jubilee Street.

Peaceful Boundaries pole, outside Provincial Courthouse, Government Street, Duncan, B.C.
Peaceful Boundaries pole, outside Provincial Courthouse, Government Street, Duncan, B.C.

Carver Norman John described the meaning of Peaceful Boundaries as:

“At one time on the west coast of Vancouver Island the Nuu-chah-nulth and all the tribes were fighting and killing one another over fishing and hunting grounds. The elders became deeply concerned over the loss of our people and got together with our Chief to stop this needless killing. The Chief got all his carvers together to carve a Sea Serpent, Wolf and Maquinna mask feast bowls. Then he sent a messenger to all the tribes to gather together. He spoke to all the tribes to stop the fighting and killing….and started negotiations governing boundaries. So it came to pass that all boundaries were marked and honoured by all tribes. My Dad enjoyed carving the Raven [which is why] I felt inspired to carve the Raven on top of this Totem.”

Peaceful Boundaries pole, Raven figure detail, outside Provincial Courthouse, Government Street, Duncan, B.C.
Peaceful Boundaries pole, Raven figure detail, outside Provincial Courthouse, Government Street, Duncan, B.C.
Peaceful Boundaries pole, Raven figure detail, outside Provincial Courthouse, Government Street, Duncan, B.C.
Peaceful Boundaries pole, Raven figure detail, outside Provincial Courthouse, Government Street, Duncan, B.C.
Peaceful Boundaries pole, Maquinna Sun Mask figure, outside Provincial Courthouse, Government Street, Duncan, B.C.
Peaceful Boundaries pole, Maquinna Sun Mask figure, outside Provincial Courthouse, Government Street, Duncan, B.C.
Peaceful Boundaries pole, Sea Serpent figure, outside Provincial Courthouse, Government Street, Duncan, B.C.
Peaceful Boundaries pole, Sea Serpent figure, outside Provincial Courthouse, Government Street, Duncan, B.C.
Peaceful Boundaries pole, Sea Serpent figure detail, outside Provincial Courthouse, Government Street, Duncan, B.C.
Peaceful Boundaries pole, Sea Serpent figure detail, outside Provincial Courthouse, Government Street, Duncan, B.C.
Peaceful Boundaries pole, Sea Serpent figure detail, outside Provincial Courthouse, Government Street, Duncan, B.C.
Peaceful Boundaries pole, Sea Serpent figure detail, outside Provincial Courthouse, Government Street, Duncan, B.C.