Gardens By The Bay is hiding a vibrant new attraction to see this season. Singapore’s first-ever Canadian First Nations totem pole is currently standing tall inside Cloud Forest as a mark of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Canada–in honour of the SG60 celebrations. The 7.6 metre-tall Thunderbird Totem Pole on display at the gardens is a stunning sight. Here’s what we know.
First Thunderbird Totem Pole in Singapore
The remarkable artwork standing at 7.6m tall is hidden amidst the tallest trees of Cloud Forest. The majestic Thunderbird Totem Pole was revealed at a traditional pole dedication ceremony. In fact, the Canadian First Nations artist Mr. Calvin Hunt (who created the pole) was in attendance at the ceremony alongside his wife.
The Thunderbird Totem Pole features four main elements. These are The Thunderbird, the double-headed sea serpent part called The Sisiyutł, the figure of the chief that stands for Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw warriors, and a bear holding Halibut–which symbolises respect for forest beings and abundance from the sea. Together, these figures form a unified narrative of strength, reverence, and connection.
Interestingly, the totem pole is made out of the Western Redcedar which is a tree that supports diverse plant and animal life. It plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance in the temperature rainforests of the Pacific Northwest.
Meanwhile, Gardens By The Bay have planted unique plant species native to the Pacific Northwest in the greenhouse around the totem pole. These include the Pacific Bleeding Heart with its graceful, heart-shaped flowers, as well as Coral Bells, appreciated for its colourful foliage and wands of tiny bell-shaped flowers, to name a few.
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