The Great B.C. Animal, Tree…Symbol Contest, The Whole Country Can Still Join In The Fray!

A pair of dramatic orcas breaching (Adobe stock image)

​Who could visit with the 800+ year-old cedar trees in Pacific Rim National Park in British Columbia and not be overwhelmed by their beauty and longevity? They are situated in a rain forest next to Long Beach on the beautiful West coast of Vancouver Island.Certainly, these majestic and ancient trees should be considered in the current contest sponsored by the CBC, to name the animal, tree, or perhaps a totem pole, that best stands for the province. Other possibilities that also stand tall include the giant Douglas Fir or the Arbutus tree, known for its characteristic red-brown peeling bark.

Then there are any number of distinctive animals such as the cuddly sea otter known for holding hands while sleeping or just staying together while floating on the sea.

Or, consider (pictured above) the black and white Orca or “killer” whales, with large teeth, the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family known for their spectacular breaching.

Also popular on the west coast, is the white “Spirit Bear”, also known as the Kermode Bear, a sub-species of the North American Black Bear. They are rare and non-aggressive animals, unless their cubs are in danger.  The Spirit Bear could be a handsome representative of British Columbia, especially as it is an important symbol for the Haida Gwaii people. As such it would have a cross-cultural appeal for B.C.

While hiking as a teenager in Banff and Jasper National Parks, this writer remembers beating on pots and pans to alert Grizzly Bears to our presence in their territory. Although the Grizzly is an impressive member of the bear family, their aggression and reputation for occasionally attacking unsuspecting visitors might not put them up there with the Sea Otter or the Spirit Bear as a cuddly choice to represent B.C., especially among children. 
​
When we look for the symbols that define British Columbia, one which should not be missed is the totem pole, particularly those found on Haida Gwaii. These ancient and craggy examples originating from pre-colonial BC have come to stand for the durability of Indigenous peoples everywhere. 

"They both symbolize, I think, what's the best and the worst of British Columbia history, all wrapped in that one symbol," according to John Lutz, an historian at the University of Victoria who wrote the chapter on totem poles in the book, Symbols of Canada. 
​
Lutz argues that totems have come to be seen an important symbols of identity, power and community.  They are now the focus of a modern campaign to return totems to their home communities.

Haida Gwaii totems

The Pacific Ocean is not alone in attracting important symbols. Canadian provinces along the Atlantic coast have also developed characteristic symbols.

Several provinces have chosen more than one way to stand for their province, but the Against the Flow blog picks just one from each. 

Very recognizable for Newfoundland & Labrador is the very large, shaggy and black Newfoundland dog. 

Nova Scotia is known for the May Flower, its representative woodland wildflower.

Prince Edward Island had chosen the Red Oak which has long been central to its provincial flag.

Quebec is symbolized by the majestic Snowy Owl, often seen on sports team jerseys representing “La Belle Provence”.

And, last, but not least, New Brunswick has the small, but brave and plucky, Black-Capped-Chickadee, durable through rain, sleet, cold and snow.

The CBC’s “Search for B.C.'s Best Symbol" contest, underway since mid-July, has proven extremely popular. At last count over four-hundred-thousand people had taken part. 
​
The contest runs until August 13 and people can tune in to various CBC outlets to see how the polling is going. To participate, voters can visit https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/community/best-symbol-bc-1.7580753…to cast their vote for their favorite symbol. Reminder: People any where in Canada can take part in the contest, but kids and grandkids, are especially welcome to join the fray.