Totem poles are  known to not only inspire respect, but watch over the tribe. A member from a neighboring Northwestern tribe with many of their own totem poles stated “A totem is an emblem, such as an animal or plant that is believed to have spiritual significance, and watches over the family, clan, or tribe symbolizing their guardian or helper.” This way, we’ll always have chief Blackhoof to watch over us as we carry on his great legacy. 

           The pole will be made out of cedar wood, which lasts around 100 years! It will be covered in meaningful carvings, figures, and colors that all help to detail our history and the chief’s life.  It will be read from bottom to top. Considering the decision to install a totem pole was made recently, it will take time to complete the project. The native american helping to create the pole stated “Generally totem poles take 3-9 months to complete.” We should all look forward to seeing the memorial pole in town around February! When it is complete, a tribal celebration will be held. Join us for a celebration of Blackhoof’s life, the tribes history, and the mark of a new era.

Works Cited

Alchin, Linda. “Culture of Totem Poles.” Facts, Clothes, Food and History ***, Siteseen Limited, 16 Jan. 2018, www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-symbols/totem-pole.htm.                                                                                                                        

The children would come back excited saying some words we couldn’t understand but had the villagers happy that maybe when the children got older they would represent our people. While I was traveling through the lands I ran into a man. A special man named Charles Eastman he went to the snow people’s school and grown into one of them as well. When I ran into the man we had a talk and he explained what his life was like during his child all the way through his man hood. At a young age he lost his mother and was separated from his father and siblings he then talks about his teenage life he would say how his Uncle that took him in after the disappearance of his family. His uncle was a well known hunter and warrior he Charles was trained by him and became a young hunter and he was determined to avenge his father and family. At the age of 15 when he was setting out for his captures his father had found him and encouraged him into enrolling into schools for his future. During those years he became a well known Mission school student and pursue author and medical doctor but he also attended Santee Normal Training School in Santee, Nebraska. From my information I gathered from the Mission Schools and the talk I had with Charles the future of our Native culture and people will soar high with great achievements through the years of our people and many more to come.