After a 15-year absence, an American Indian cedar pole once again stands watch over Fife High School, thanks to the collaboration of school and community members.

The story is depicted in a digital presentation packed with photos of the school’s original totem pole and of the new pole’s creation, from the time of its growth in Mossyrock, through its carving at Fife High School, to its dedication in November.

According to Fife Indian education coordinator Phyllis Covington and the presentation, prepared by Fife High librarian and school historian Pat Reed, this is how it happened:

The school’s original 35-foot totem, dating from the late 1960s, was removed during the school’s remodeling project in 1992. The school and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians planned to refurbish the piece, but the pole’s wood turned out to be rotted beyond repair.

In 2006, Covington and alternative school director Jane Morris resumed efforts to replace the pole, seeking help from the community.

The community responded. Puyallup tribal member Don Coats donated a live, wind-damaged cedar from his property in Lewis County. Fife Towing Co. hauled the tree from Mossyrock to Fife and Rushforth Construction Co. poured the cement base, both for free. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians provided a $5,000 grant.

Covington and Thomas each donated their $1,000 awards as district employees of the year in 2006 to the cause. Fife students participated in the creation of the pole as well.

After learning about American Indian legends and animal symbolism from Klallam storyteller and artist Roger Fernandes, students from Fife High School art classes and the alternative Learning Opportunity Center suggested animal designs for the pole. Wood and metal shop students helped Colville artist Pete Noyes carve the pole and dig its deep hole.

The 18-foot natural stained-wood piece is a “story pole,” more characteristic of the South Sound tribes than the “totem poles” that feature family totem symbols and were erected by Canadian tribes.

It’s topped by an eagle and eaglet, the elder bird representing bravery, nobility and intellect, and the younger one symbolizing the nurturing of students and the community’s native culture. It’s dedicated to the late Gloria Bean, a Fife High parent and Puyallup tribal member who shared her American Indian heritage with students at Fife schools.

Debby Abe: 253-597-8694

Watch it grow

To see a digital presentation on the story pole, go to www.fifeschools.com/fhs and click on “Story Pole Dedication” on the right side of the page.