Talking Stick

Talking stick - also called a speaker's staff, is an instrument of aboriginal democracy used by many tribes, especially those of indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast of North America. The talking stick may be passed around a group or used only by leaders as a symbol of their authority and right to speak in public.  In a tribal council circle, a talking stick is passed around from member to member allowing only the person holding the stick to speak. This enables all those present at a council meeting to be heard, especially those who may be shy; consensus can force the stick to move along to assure that the "long winded" don't dominate the discussion; and the person holding the stick may allow others to interject. Talking sticks have high ceremonial and spiritual value, and have proved to be exceedingly useful during current implementations

Jim Yelton, Squamish Nation. Jim was born in Squamish, British Columbia in 1955 and has been carving his entire life. The skill of carving was pasted down to Jim from his father, Michael Yelton who taught him about the Northwest Coast First Nations traditions of his cultural and how they applied to his art form.  For over 30 years, Jim has been carving cedar wood and specializes in Masks, Feast Dishes, Canoe Paddles and most of all, Talking Sticks. Jim’s influences are the traditions of his people and the natural environment surrounding him. He incorporates indigenous animals in his work which have specific meanings and symbolisms within the Squamish Nation culture. His work can be found in galleries and private collections worldwide. Jim currently resides in Sechelt, British Columbia.