- 1). Conduct family research at the library or by talking to family elders. Record defining experiences that express who your family is, and what they mean to you and to one another.
- 2). Determine the symbols to decorate your totem pole. If your family does not have a family symbol, agree upon one. Convert the research you did in step one into physical symbols.
- 3). Determine the size of your totem pole. Gather appropriate tools for carving the pole.
- 4). Carve the totem pole with the tools you've gathered to depict the symbols that you have determined to represent your family.
- 5). Sand and file the totem pole to get rid of any rough surfaces.
- 6). Paint the totem pole the colors you envisioned to match your familial symbols. Not all totem poles are painted; it is at the discretion of the maker.
- 7). Display your totem pole in a desirable location, either permanently or when you wish to honor your family, such as during a special time of celebration.
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