Talking Stick Rotary Club of Ladner

Posted 
on Jul 12, 2014
 
The history of the Talking Stick of the Rotary Club of Ladner
 
 
The current Talking Stick used by the Rotary Club of Ladner was carved by Frank Martin (grandson of Chief Mungo Martin of the Kwakwaka'wakw Nation) around the year 2000. It was presented to the club by Dr. Jim Morin, Aboriginal Minerals Training, School of Construction and the Environment, B.C.I.T., on March 1st, 2011, on the occasion of his Program to the Club.
 
The talking stick represents the union of two Nations through Frank's marriage: he being from the Coast and his wife from the Interior of British Columbia. The animals, likewise, cross those zones, and the high value placed on this union may be represented by the copper turtle detail. 
 
First Talking Stick of the RC of Ladner
now in Delta Museum
The first club talking stick, now part of the Delta Archive’s collection, was carved for the Club by Clarence Taylor the last Reeve of Delta. The original talking stick has a Salmon at one end with plaque on its under belly that, in engraved letters, reads "Presented to Rotary Club of Ladner by Kiwanis Club of Ladner-Tsawwassen, March 11/79."

Our present talking stick, a gift from Dr. Jim Morin, is carved with various animals and symbols on them.  A copper represents wealth. A raven represents the trickster or the teacher depending upon whether you have learned from life’s lessons. An eagle represents Freedom and Vision.
 
Freedom is acknowledging your own freedom first as an individual, then once you become strong in this you share your knowledge with your environment. Vision is knowing that each life decision you make will effect seven generations of your people. The bear represents strength.
 
Past President Linda Cran presents Talking Stick to
President Patricia Sibley		  

 
The club’s talking stick bears the salmon. Salmon for the vibrant fishing village of Ladner. It feeds man and animal. Eagles will fish for salmon to feed their young just as the local fishermen do.
 
Talking sticks are used usually on formal occasions, in the Coast Salish community but in more recent times a contemporary use of the talking stick is within small groups, family or organizations such as Rotary where the individual holding the talking stick is the only one with the right to speak.
 
When speaking, the holder of the talking stick must honor all present including herself.
 
In the Rotary Club of Ladner the talking stick is presented to the President by the Past President and symbolizes the transfer of the leadership role and the role of responsibility and respect.