After months of carving and painting, the pole was finally ready to go up in the spring of 1974. Mumford was upset about the process of the pole’s removal. “It bothered me that there was an implication it was racist,” she said. “(The decision) seemed to be done in secret.”

Mumford believes there is a way for the totem pole to become teaching point without having it torn down.

“It would be nice to see it left up if possible,” she said.

Mumford said the whole reason for erecting the Totem Pole in the first place was to teach about the importance of Indigenous cultures to Canada.

The board didn’t see it that way.

“As society we are becoming more aware of reconciliation with first nations,” YRDSB Chair and Whitchurch-Stouffville and East Gwillimbury Loralea Carruthers said.

The letter which was signed by Principal Melanie Duckett-Wilson, Superintendent of Education Shawn Bredin and Superintendent of Indigenous Programs Drew McNaughton said the decision will also bring new opportunity.

“The removal of the totem pole provides a renewed beginning for our current students and staff to learn about and from members of our Indigenous Nations,” the letter said.

The totem pole will be removed shortly and the board said after consultation it was decided the most appropriate action was to remove and dispose of the totem pole.