The name of the pole is Ilchinik. He was a very successful and powerful whaler.

The figures on the pole:

1. The top figure is Hu-pa-kwa-num's box with all his wealth. Hu-pa-kwa-num is the present chief: he too has come with the group to Exeter.

   On the lid of the box is our Ha-witiisum sea chief.

2. The second figure is Ti-as.

   This moon is Ti-as, our New Year. A new harvest season is beginning. Hu-pat-moon is used as a very powerful symbol of preparation for our Hesquiaht, Ehattesaht people. We have 13 moons in our calendar. Each month has a name which pertains to nature (such as ) new greens growing, herring fish, berries, Fall (Autumn), Winter.

3. Tu-tu-ch the elder Thunderbird. Thundering now and then.

   Our people know Thunderbird has a home. Thunderbird lives in the mountains. Thunderbird is so powerful, just lifting his wings a little makes everything tremble and shake below him.

4. The bottom figure is Il-chn-iik.

   Il-chn-iik the whaler was very successful at bringing in whales with his many powers. He is a man who cleansed and prepared himself when the moon was growing. The fins of Whale are also the canoe of the whaler.

5. The back figure of the pole.

   A very special race of people from out there. They left us with many good things. One thing was something which gave the ability to go anywhere we want in an instant and another was a powerful weapon, a round cylinder rock.

The journey of the pole