Totem poles were carved by Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest out of giant cedar trees to represent tribes, clans, families or individuals. They used symbols of animals and birds to tell stories and pass down history. Carving a totem pole was an honor and could take years to complete. Once carved, the poles were painted with natural dyes and erected, standing as tall as 60 feet. The document concludes by having students each represent themselves by drawing an animal to contribute to a class totem pole project.