Totem poles were the focal point of many First American rituals, and they were usually prominent guards of all encampments. The Native American has a great realization of the importance of all living things, treats them with great respect, and seeks to have a greater understanding of their specific purpose, and how they relate to other creatures in their eco system, and to the earth in general.

This image shows the Turtle totem - the next image shows the Thunderbird totem.