A Kwaguilth totem pole that has welcomed visitors to the Manitoba Legislative Building since 1971, will be laid to rest.

Premier Wab Kinew made the announcement Monday.

The 16-foot totem pole depicting a legend of the Kwaguilth Indigenous Peoples from the West Coast, has naturally deteriorated over the years.

The totem pole’s condition was inspected in September 2022 by Richard Hunt, a traditional Kwaguilth carver and the son of the totem pole’s original carver, Henry Hunt.

Based on that assessment and in keeping with Kwaguilth tradition, it was recommended the totem pole be laid to rest.

It will be placed in an east-west orientation in a nearby raised planter bed during the traditional dedication ceremony led by Richard Hunt.

The totem pole commemorated the centenary of the province of British Columbia entering Confederation.