Totem Poles- Northwest Coast
Websites:
1. An online picture story of the first totem pole.
Also- tells about what low man on totem pole means.
http://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/northwest/totempoles.html
Are there secrets hidden in totem poles?
Because Native people had no written language, totem pole
stories and symbols were shared only with the pole's owner, the
carver of the totem pole and whoever they chose to tell.
If the pole's owner or carvers gave an account to a relative,
granted interviews to academics, or left a written record, then
the meaning of these old totem poles is known today. If the
carver lived long ago and someone did not write it down in a form
like we do, then its stories were repeated from person to person.
This is called the oral tradition. While it's not the worst way of
remembering, it is certainly subject to changes and distortions
over time. An old undocumented totem pole with hidden or special
meanings may find that it's story is lost or at least distorted
over time.
2. Great information along with symbols to use for the poles.
http://www.manataka.org/page30.html
SYMBOLSOF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
Northwest
BEAVER
BEAR
BUMBLEBEE
COPPER
DOGFISH
DOVE
DRAGON FLY
EAGLE
EAGLE FEATHER
FROG
HALIBUT
HAWK
HERON
HUMMINGBIRD
KILLER WHALE
KINGFISHER
LOON
MOON
OTTER
OWL
RAVEN
SALMON
SEAL
SUN
THUNDERBIRD
WOLF
Creative, Artistic and Determined
Strength, Learned Humility, Motherhood, Teaching
Honesty, Pure Thinking - Willingness and Drive
Wealth and Prestige
Persistence and Strength - A Born Leader
Love, Gentleness and Kindness
Ever-changing Life
Great Strength, Leadership and Prestige
Good Luck to Both Giver and Receiver
Spring & New Life - Communicator, Stability
Life protector, Strength and Stability
Strength Far Sighted
Patience, Graceful and Easy Going
Love, Beauty, Intelligence, Spirit Messenger
Traveler & Guardian - Symbol of Good
Luck, Patience, Speed and Agility
Peace, Tranquility - Generous Giving Nature
Protector and Guardian of the Earth by Night
Trusting, Inquisitive and Bright - Loyal Friendship
Wisdom
Creation & Knowledge - Bringer of the Light
Dependability and Renewal - A Provider
Bright, Inquisitive, Organized
Healing Energy, Guardian of the Earth by Day
Powerful & Mystical - A Leader
Intelligence & Leadership - Strong Sense of Family
2. Pictures of real totem poles:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Totem_poles
3. Questions to ask the kids to help them figure out what animals
to use. There is a larger list of animal symbols too.
Here are some questions to ask yourself if you’re wondering what your animal totem is:








Have you ever felt drawn to one animal or another without being able to explain why?
This could be animal, including birds and insects.
Does a certain kind of animal consistently appear in your life? This doesn’t necessarily
have to be a physical appearance, it could be represented in other ways such as
receiving card and letters with the same animal pictured over and over, unexplainable
dreams of a particular animal, watching television and seeing the same animal featured
time and time again, or, actually having the animal show up.
When you go to the zoo, a park, wildlife area, or forest, what are you most interested in
seeing?
Are there any animals that you find to be extremely frightening or intriguing?
Is there a particular animal that you see frequently when you’re out in nature?
Have you ever been bitten or attacked by an animal?
Have you ever had a recurring dream about a certain animal, or a dream from childhood
that you have never been able to forget?
Are you drawn to figurines or paintings of a specific animal?
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/NA-Totems.html
ACTIVITY:
Make totem poles to tell about your family history.
1. Research what animals represents your family.
2. Wrap a piece of construction paper around a paper towel
tube and trim the paper to the right height and width (allow
about a half inch overlap around the tube). Do not glue yet.
3. Color and cut out the face (see separate page). Paste it at
the center top of the tube.
4. Divide the rest of the paper into how many horizontal
sections you want. 3-5
5. Draw or paste different animal heads in each section.
6. Wrap the heads around the paper tube and glue seams.
7. Decorate wings, then cut them out and glue to the back of
the pole.
8. Glue 2 popsicle sticks to the base so that your Totem pole
stands upright.
WRITING ACTIVITY
Have them choose:
You are your family live in the Kwakiutl clan in the Northwest
Coast. It is 1740, the year before you had first contact with
European settlers. You have finally finished your totem pole
which tells the history of you and your family.
1. Although telling of the story behind the totem pole is
usually a secret, you decide to write a letter to your cousin
telling him/her about the meaning of your totem pole. Use
your Indian name!
OR
2. You are giving a Potlatch to honor the raising of your totem
pole outside your home. Think of two other events that will
happen at your potlatch. Using transition words like, first,
next, last, tell the story of these 3 things that happened
that day.
Beat a drum as student present their writing.