Personal Reaction to Bill Reid Gallery and the story of "Totem",

2 months ago, I went to Museum of Anthropology, but at that time I wasn't interested at all, and got very bored at all the sculptures and canoes as I expected to see something with much longer history. I wanted to see things made hundreds or thousands of years ago. But this time, after we read some handouts about First Nations in Canada, it was much more interesting to see similar sculptures about First Nations in Bill Reid Gallery. I learned that totem is a figure made to look like an animal, plant etc. that is believed to have a special relationship with a particular Native American tribe. I liked the stories of the poles, expecially the one about Bear Mother. I was also amazed at how he made the canoes by himself.

The gallery is not big, but very interesting to see. I was surprised at the little, tiny cups made of chalks when Bill Reid was still a child. When I saw the sculpture of what is printed in 20 dollars bill, I was a bit excited. I liked the meaning of it; obviously, there is a conflit in the crowded boat, but they are still staying in the same boat. I am also curious about why they use this picture in the 20 dollars bill.

I think by visiting galleries like this, I can get more interested in history. I think I need to read more books about history and know more about it.