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Story Pole is a 35-minute documentary that follows the remarkable story of Jason LaClair, a Native American artist from the Pacific Northwest, as he restores a story pole started by an elder from his community, Samuel Cagey II. The film is a reflection on his life as he recovers from drug addiction and finds healing in his art and community. His journey leads him into the public school district, where he teaches young people about his people’s history, art and healing.

Guided by respected Lummi elder, Samuel Cagey’s teachings and personal stories, Jason learns the deeper meaning behind cedar carving and integrates these lessons into his own work.

The completed story pole becomes a symbol of connection, respect and unity, carrying the stories of animals, water and creation, reminding us of our shared purpose and interconnectedness.

Story Pole is a moving tribute to Indigenous culture finding community and the enduring power of traditional teachings.

It is a story of learning, respect and the bonds that unite us all, filmed on the sacred land of Lummi Nation and in the heart of Bellingham, Washington. As indigenous values and teachings are brought into communities who are still finding out Native Americans still practice their traditional teachings of carving and painting Coast Salish art.

In Story Pole, Jason Laclair follows the teachings of Samuel Cagey II, not only learning how to carve but how traditional teachings of gratitude and working with the community build ever lasting relationships.

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The film also highlights Jason’s collaboration with local schools, particularly within the Bellingham Public Schools, where he introduces students to Native American culture and the role of art in healing. Through these collaborations, the film advocates for the integration of Native American teachings and art into the public school curriculum, as well as the importance of ensuring that more Native American art is displayed in public spaces.

Through his story, Story Pole aims to achieve several key goals:

  • Advocate for the funding and integration of the Since Time Memorial Mandate curriculum, which emphasizes Native American history and culture in schools.

  • Inspire and encourage those in recovery from substance use disorder to continue their journey toward healing, while also motivating those still struggling to seek treatment.

  • Foster the recognition and incorporation of more Native American art in public spaces, enriching the cultural landscape for everyone.

  • Strengthen the connections between Native American communities, public schools, healthcare providers and social services to create a more supportive, healing environment for all.

Story Pole is a film about resilience, healing and the power of cultural traditions to bring about personal and community transformation. It reminds us that, like the story pole itself, we too can be rebuilt, restored and made whole again through connection, understanding and support of our community.

  • An unfinished cedar story pole stood as a silent symbol of the past, it's intricate carvings waiting to be completed. Started by Elder Samuel Cagey II, it had long been stalled, but the moment Jason LaClair, an artist on his own path of recovery, took up the task to finish it, the pole came alive. With each chisel strike, the cedar seemed to breathe, its story unfolding through Jason's hands. What began as a solitary effort quickly grew into a community-wide endeavor. The unfinished pole called others to join — students, Elders and even a film crew, all touched by its power. Together, they added layers to the pole's story. The students found purpose in the work, the Elders shared wisdom, and the community experienced the healing and connection that comes from honoring tradition. As the pole was completed, it transformed from a simple carving into a living symbol of love, gratitude and unity. The effort snowballed into a beautiful reminder that even an unfinished piece of wood could create bonds that span generations, where each person’s contribution became part of a shared story — a story of healing, togetherness and the power of cultural tradition.

    This program is a presentation of Vision Maker Media.

  • The majestic Eagle is strength, vision, leadership, intelligence and most of all resourceful.

    Eagle rules the sky and is able to transform himself into a human if needed.

    The Eagle symbolizes power and prestige around us all.

    Eagle protects the spirit and the body, representing health and wholeness of the human being.

    He is able to deliver messages to the creator, carrier of the prayers, he is connected with balance.

    Eagle teaches us how to embrace an elevated perspective while bravely speaking the truth.

  • The Whale connects with family, romance, longevity, harmony, travel, community and protection.

    He is said to protect those who travel away from home and to lead them back when the time comes.

    Whales are full of compassion, solitude, and knowledge of both life and death.

    They are also associated with unlimited creativity.

  • The Bear represents strength, family, vitality courage and health. The Bear is thoughtful and independent with little need for fellowship.

    He is self-contained and strong-willed in nature.

    Bear is a symbol of strength and wisdom and is looked to for healing and medicine. He continues to fight after being seriously injured; Bear is capable of healing our wounds.

  • The Wolf is a symbol of courage, strength, loyalty, and success at hunting.

    The Wolf represents strong family ties, good communication, education, understanding, and intelligence. Of all land animals, the Wolf has the strongest supernatural powers and is the best hunter.

    Wolf is a symbol of guardianship, ritual, loyalty, and spirit.

    Wolf has the ability to make quick and firm emotional attachments as they often need to trust their own instincts. The Wolf teaches us to do the same, to trust our hearts and minds and have control over our own lives.

    The meaning of the Wolf is to symbolize direction and leadership while also representing protection and destruction. We know that when the wolves are howling at the moon, they are speaking to the upper world and transmitting magical powers.

  • The Bird Man is believed to be a supernatural being with the equivalent status to that of the great spirit, who resides in the upper world with the spirits of the sun, moon, and stars.

    Bird Man represents the upper world, the order, and light. Bird Man dancers perform in ceremonies in asking the spirits in a humble way of the upper world for help.

    The link between the upper world (heaven) and the earth was the sky and the Bird Man was able to move between the two realms as messengers to the gods.

    The Bird Man is portrayed in his disguise as an eagle, hawk, or falcon. These birds are all strong, high flying predators. Performing rituals and dances of the ways of our people aligns themselves to the spirits of the upper world and gains favor for victory of important battles.

  • The Serpent symbolizes chaos, corruption, and darkness. It is seen as a male and violent being or monster who devours his enemies.

    The Great Serpents, resided in the underworld and are described as powerful beings who were in constant conflict with the forces of the upper world who are represented by the Thunderers who were the Bird Men.

    It took its place in the underworld due to its association with death and its role as a messenger to and from the world of the dead going back and forth.

    The Serpent was the feared guardian of life and the forces of life. The Serpent connects to the rain, thunder and waterways. The zigzag of the Serpent or snake is symbolic of the water.

    The Serpent symbol represents life and the renewal of life, just like water.

  • The Mermaid is the symbol of balance with our hearts and our minds. The role that defines individuality is defined through the mermaids.

    Seen by those with pure hearts, she is the source of life cleansing and renewal. She is a great supporter of the environment’s health and, of course, the health of the sea.

    The Mermaid is a great helper when the earth needs it. Our earth is in great need of support.