Totems are iconic, free-standing wood carvings that originate from Indigenous communities on the Pacific Northwest; however not all Nations make them. For example, the T’SOU-KE First Nation carve welcome figures and house posts, but not totems.

This heraldic totem is carved in the Kwakwaka’wakw style by master carver Nulis Carey Newman, (Coast Salish and Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw) who grew up in Sooke. Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw art uses formline, a distinctive, continuous-line painting and carving style, where Coast Salish use positive and negative space, and tend to be more geometric. As well, the artisitic style depends on the artist who might practice in multiple styles.

As the owners of the Sooke Harbour House, the Philip family commissioned Carey Newman to create a totem representing their family. During their tenure, the Sooke Harbour House became a place to highlight local art and artisans. On 9 September 2007, the totem was erected overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with a large ceremony and blessing by local T’SOU-KE Elders.

When the Sooke Harbour House changed ownership, the Philip family wanted the totem to remain in the public and to be appreciated by the community. On 19 May 2026, the totem was brought to the grounds here where it was restored by Carey Newman, Tejas Collison (Haida), Jenna Short (Katzie), and Tori Jones.