It’s a little hard to believe, but after two years contributing to the Passport club bulletin as both President—elect and President, this article will be my final submission. I truly hope you have enjoyed reading my articles as much as I have enjoyed writing them.

As most of you know, I was raised in Northern British Columbia. As my parents worked very closely with the first nation communities in the area, growing up I had the privilege of many first-hand experiences and interactions with these communities as well, and although that exposure was limited, over the years those interactions have played a significant role in my understanding of leadership.

For example, I want to draw your attention to what is probably the most iconic image of our north-west coast indigenous people, the totem pole, and tell you a true story I call, the politician, the totem pole, and a sense of perspective.

In the early 70’s a British Columbian politician commissioned the carving of a totem pole to commemorate a special gathering. He hired a well-respected carver and his sons to carve the pole, and when the project was finished, the politician stood proudly with the carvers as the pole was raised. The politician's pride was in the fact that his image had been carved near the top of the totem. For him, his image being near the top of the pole was a symbol of how highly respected he was.

In truth the opposite was true. What the politician didn’t understand was that in the traditions of the First Nations people, the most significant and honored figures are always carved at the bottom of the totem pole, as these are the figures that bear the full weight of the story or tradition the pole represents. The higher up the pole you find yourself the less important role you play in the story.

This is often counterintuitive to those of us of European descent. Our culture often causes us to associate a person’s importance with their position. It’s why we hold our Kings Queens and Presidents in such high regard, but while I don’t want to underplay the importance of these positions, I want to emphasize that no matter how important these positions may appear to be (or think they are), the success of any leader will always depend on the strength of the people at the base of the pole.

This has certainly been the case in the history of our club. Although I have truly enjoyed the year I have served as president of the club, I am aware of the fact this year’s accomplishments are the result of the work of the many club members who have worked tirelessly to ensure our success, both in the communities we represent and for Rotary in general. In the totem I raise to commemorate the end of my year as president it is your faces I see carved into the base of the pole.

Thanks for a great year.

 - David Carey