C-Nile, sponsored by the Lone Butte Fish and Wildlife Association (LBFWA), is a group of boys and girls between 10 and 16 years old who meet once a week during the school year to learn about conservation and outdoor recreation.
Besides the camping, hunting, survival training, and the safe/responsible use of firearms, the youths have been busy carving a totem pole.
The pole was completed and erected at the South Cariboo Visitor Centre on Nov. 5, during a dedication ceremony.
"It took the kids a year-and-a-half from start to finish," says C-Nile manager Mike Case.
Tommy Chung came out one day to show the group how to do it, Case says, adding Chung was great with the youths and explained the carving process to them.
Clayton Chamberlain drew out the figures on the pole.
On the top, there is a thunderbird, a mythological bird that was the creator and controller of all elements and spirits.
In the centre, there’s a bear, which is a symbol of great strength, authority and mobility; and on the bottom, there’s the wolf, revered because it was a good hunter and associated with a special spirit man had to acquire to become a successful hunter.
“The kids carved out the figures, and along with my help, painted the totem," Case says, adding the 10-foot cedar pole was donated by Pacific Log Homes.
"At the dedication, Karen Pellerin, a member of the LBFWA, did a wonderful job of blessing the totem."
The C-Nile group is busy making drums and moccasins now, says Case, but they will be carving another totem pole.
"Sitka Log Homes donated an 11-foot cedar pole that the kids will start on soon."