Totem Pole Committee


Sitka, AlaskaIndian Lore is a popular sideline among many Arrowmen. It provides a way for us to show our creativity and learn about Native American culture in the process. The totem pole committee works together to carve and erect totem poles at our council camps. There are not many committees within the lodge that can say what they work on will be around for years to come, or that what they do will be noticed when seen and add a unique atmosphere to the surroundings. The totem pole committee is able to say both of these without hesitation.

Getting Started - It takes time to carve a totem pole, but when many hands are involved the overall time for a finished pole is reduced significantly. You will begin learning about and carving totem poles at your very first meeting. The tools necessary will be provided. All you need is a willing spirit and a bit of imagination. If you are interested please contact the

Excerpt from Lodge Rules - Totem poles are developed to depict supernatural beings, representing the ancestry of Indian clans, and never to evoke religious awe. Thus in carving poles, remember to use imaginary and make believe images. All poles carved by the totem pole committee should be well planned and designed to evoke supernatural thoughts. Training sessions on design and sculpture should be held before starting a pole. When finished it should stand and represent an idea of make believe. Beads are available from the lodge secretary.


Accomplishments in 2010
  1. Totem Pole Segment for Section Conclave - The 2010 section conclave was held at Seven Ranges Scout Reservation.  The pole is located at the entrance to Sippo lodge's callout site. During the conclave three members of Cuyahoga Lodge helped to assemble the pole. The bottom of the segment starts about seven feet from the ground.
  2. Repaint 2 Poles at Entrance to Ceremony Site - The two white totem poles at the entrance were originally from the ceremony site at Camp Belden.  In 2004, they were refurbished and erected as a project for Brotherhood candidates. This year they received a fresh coat of paint.
  3. Prepared Large Pole for Carving - In 2009, a large black cherry tree was blown down at the Foxes Run campsite. While clearing the site the tree was harvested and stored under the shelter. This year the tree was completely striped of bark to ready it for carving. It is hoped that this will eventually become a Brotherhood Pole at the ceremony site.
Camp StigwandishAccomplishments in 2009
  1. Totem Pole Segment for Section Conclave - The 2009 section conclave was held at Camp Stigwandish. The pole was erected in the camp's dining hall and our segment is located at eye level.
  2. Smaller Pole for Trail to Ceremonial Grounds - One small pole was completed from scratch and stored in the OA Building until a suitable location can be found.

Accomplishments in 2008

  1. Section Conclave Totem Pole Segment - In 2008 the annual Conclave was held at Camp Arrowhead in Ona, WV. In preparation for the event a segment was carved and painted for our Lodge. This segment is located in a prominent position at the bottom of the 2008 Conclave Pole.

  2. Moved and Restored Loggers Day Pole - This was an ambitious project that took over 120 man-hours to complete!  The pole was originally located at the ceremonial grounds and was both leaning and in disrepair. Many people helped to lower the pole and move it to behind the OA building where it could be restored. At August Ordeal in 2008 the pole was raised again in front of the newly acquired OA building.

  3. Added Segment to 2007 Conclave Pole - In 2007, the Section Conclave was held at Beaumont, but a segment for our Lodge was not completed to add to the pole. A small group of Arrowmen met and constructed a segment. At the Fall Fellowship in 2008 the pole was lowered, the new segment attached to the top, and then raised with the help of other lodge members. The pole is located at the entrance to Cub World.

Future Projects

  1. Restore Totem Pole Segment at the Geauga County Fairgrounds - A Conclave was held at the Geauga County Fairgrounds a number of years ago. A totem pole with a segment from Cuyahoga Lodge was erected during this event. This segment is in need of restoration.
  2. Restore Vigil Honor Pole - The Vigil Honor Pole, located at the ceremonial grounds, was made in the late 1970's and is in need of restoration. The original top for the pole has decayed and is no longer visible. The paint has faded or is flaking off.  The plan is to lower the pole for cleaning and restoration. Then add a large triangle to the top and raise it back into position.
  3. New Brotherhood Pole - At the Ceremonial Grounds we have Ordeal and Vigil Honor totem poles, but nothing for Brotherhood. It is appropriate that we should add a Brotherhood Pole.
  4. Move and Restore Ordeal Pole - The Ordeal Pole, located at the ceremonial grounds, was made in the early 1970's. There are plans to revise the layout of the ceremonial grounds and the pole will need to be moved.  It was restored at least once and is still in pretty good shape after all these years.  Since the pole will be coming down to be moved, it makes sense to repair any problem areas and repaint the pole.

Vancouver, B.C.Background - The totem pole originated among tribes in the Pacific Northwest Coast ranging from Washington through British Columbia and into Alaska. The wood used was typically red or yellow cedar, but other trees were also put to use. Totem poles were never created as religious symbols or ritualistic objects. The early missionaries thought this to be the case, but when villages relocated they would leave the poles behind to rot and decay. The individual carvings on a pole could mean many things. They could give a family history, show lineage of a clan, tell a story, or be an artistic creation. Some were built as a central decoration or as the main support of village meeting houses. There is no set importance placed on where a carving is located on the pole. A key figure could be placed at the top, bottom or even somewhere in the middle. A potlatch, which is a festival or cermony, is held when totem poles are raised. Poles are typically not raised using modern technology, but with the strength and help of all members in the community. When the pole is in place the master carver performs a dance and is formally paid for their efforts. Some believe that poles should weather and decay since nature intended that everything have a life and death. Others maintain a pole so that it will be around for future generations to see. For more information you can follow the links below, search the internet or visit your nearest library.


Online Resources Camp Manatoc
Totemic Procession
Totemic Procession

If you would like to help carve a totem pole with Cuyahoga Lodge, contact the