Totem Pole

Hello. I started my life in a big, green forest. The ocean was so close I could smell the salty air. I was a very tall cedar tree. My branches reached for the sun, and birds made nests in them. One day, special people called carvers came to my forest. They looked at all the trees and chose me. They said I was strong enough to hold their family's stories. They gently took me to their village to start my new life. I am a Totem Pole.

The carvers began to tap-tap-tap on my wood. It felt like a little tickle. Slowly, I saw wonderful faces appear. First, a strong bear, to show how strong the family is. Then, a clever raven with a shiny beak, who knows many secrets. And at the very top, a great eagle with giant wings to touch the sky. The eagle helps the family feel close to the Creator. The whole village helped paint me. They used bright colors from berries and soft clay. I had bold reds, deep blacks, and pretty blues. I wasn't just a tree anymore. I was becoming a beautiful storybook made of wood.

When I was all finished, everyone in the village worked together. They pushed and pulled to raise me up, up, up into the sky. I stood so tall and proud. I could see all the homes and the big blue sea. Little children would run up and point to the bear and the eagle. Their grandparents would tell them the stories that I hold in my wood. For a very long time, since the 1700s, my brothers and sisters have stood tall, just like me. We are here to help everyone remember their family and share their wonderful stories.