In the Pacific Northwest, Indigenous cultures have long used totem poles as a way to share the stories of their lives—stories of family, heritage, history, and spirit. These beautifully carved wooden poles are not just works of art; they are living narratives that pass down wisdom, experiences, and values across generations. Each totem is unique, crafted with symbols that represent the people, animals, and moments that have shaped a person’s life.

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The Base of the Totem: Family, Love, and Becoming a Sister

A heart, a representation of family, would be carved at the base of my totem. Family is the cornerstone of my identity, the starting point of my journey, and the strong ties of affection that have moulded me. The eternal affection I've received and the love I return are represented by the heart. It's the stable ground beneath my feet, the house I go back to for comfort, security, and a sense of belonging.

To commemorate being a sister, I would carve baby feet over the heart. Having a sibling and taking on the responsibilities of mentor, guide, and protector was a significant turning point in my life. The new beginning, happiness, and obligations that accompany becoming a sibling are symbolized by the baby feet.

This milestone reshaped my identity and deepened my understanding of what it means to care for and nurture someone else.

The Path of Growth: Health, Honesty, and Self-Discovery

I would sculpt a spiral, a representation of health and development, rising above the baby's feet and heart. This symbolizes my dedication to maintaining my physical, mental, and emotional well. A common representation of rebirth and change is the spiral. It serves as a reminder that maintaining good health is an ongoing process that is constantly changing, much like a spiral. I keep evolving and finding balance in my life, just as I've learned to take care of myself throughout the years.

I would then carve an open hand to represent honesty. Throughout my life, honesty has been a fundamental principle that governs both my interactions with other people and my approach to my own self-awareness. In both my relationships and my relationship with myself, the open hand stands for being honest, sincere, and vulnerable.

The Symbol of Compassion: Animals and Respect

I would make a paw print as I climbed the pole to symbolize my strong bond with animals. Animals have always played a significant role in my life by teaching me values like compassion, loyalty, and unconditional love. They serve as my mentors, and friends. The paw print represents my dedication to animal welfare and my compassion for all living things. It reminds me of the happiness that animals bring into my life and the duty I feel to take care of and safeguard them.

I would carve scales—a sign of respect—after the paw print. I think respect is really important in every aspect of life. The scales stand for equity, decency, and balance for others, whether in my interpersonal connections or elsewhere.

The Final Symbol: Transformation, Freedom, and Healing

A butterfly, which is a representation of change and recovery, would be carved at the top of my totem pole. The butterfly is a symbol of transformation, rebirth, and the beauty that arises from accepting the challenges of life. It serves as a reminder of my own development over the years and the continuous process of becoming the person I was destined to be. The butterfly also represents freedom—the freedom to be who I am, to take new chances, and to conquer obstacles.


Bringing It All Together: The Story of My Life

These symbols collectively describe my identity and my journey to this point. I am shaped by love and duty by my family and the significant event of becoming a sister. I am reminded of my continuous development and dedication to honesty by the open hand of truthfulness and the spiral of health. The scales of respect direct my interactions with others, while the paw print represents my love of animals and my respect for all living things. The butterfly at the top symbolizes my ongoing transformation, my freedom to develop, and the healing that occurs with time.