Chapter 2 Native American Project (North West Culture Area)

A totem can be the symbol of a tribe, clan, family or individual. Native American tradition provides that each individual is connected with nine different animals that will accompany each person through life, acting as guides. Different animal guides come in and out of our lives depending on the direction that we are headed and the tasks that need to be completed along our journey.

Native beliefs further explain that a totem animal is one that is with you for life, both in the physical and spiritual world. Though people may identify with different animal guides throughout their lifetimes, it is this one totem animal that acts as the main guardian spirit.

With this one animal a connection is shared, either through interest in the animal, characteristics, dreams, or other interaction.

Totem Pole Project

For this project you will explore the most important aspects of your life and culture.

1. Choose five symbols that represent your family, individual traits, dreams, and overall culture? (It does not have to be an animal because our culture is vastly different than that of Native Americans)

Questions to think about when choosing your totems…….
What is important to you / your family culture?
What accompanies you through life?
What guides you on your journey?
What characteristics / traits define you?
What are your dreams and aspirations?

2. Design a Totem Pole that best represents you and/or your family. (The top two Totem Pole designs from each class will be decided by a class vote) Your design will be graded and displayed in the class and on our class website. Specific Measurements must be 145 mm maximum height, 35 mm maximum width, 30 maximum depth.

Use this organizer to plan out your totem pole

3. The class representative will 3D print their Totem Pole for display

RUBRIC

Part 3: Hand in the Totem Pole Project Using Google Slides