REFLECTIVE JOURNAL WEEK 3

Totem poles are monuments built by Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest to honour ancestors, history, persons, or events. They are made of red cedar, a pliable wood found in the Pacific Northwest, and constructed to be visible within a community.

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These great powers and benefits are represented on most totem poles by beings, or crest animals. Totem poles help to chronicle stories and history common to community members or individual family or clan members.It usually has stylised human, animal, and otherworldly shapes.

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Totem poles depict family crests and clan membership. Some Kwakwaka'wakw families on northern Vancouver Island, for example, have a Thunderbird crest and family tales on their poles. The wolf, eagle, grizzly bear, thunderbird, killer whale, frog, raven, and salmon are other frequent crests. Rich and powerful families may have many crests. Totem poles can also be made to commemorate an occasion or person. Totem poles have long played an important socio-cultural role in many First Nations societies. Most First Nations celebrate the erecting of a totem pole with a feast or potlatch.Totem poles have long played an important socio-cultural role in many First Nations societies. Most First Nations celebrate the erecting of a totem pole with a feast or potlatch.